Valentine’s Day is coming and there are so many ways to show your love to your partners, family, friends, and of course, your pets! 

However, when it comes to pets, some Valentine’s traditions can be harmful to their health and could go unnoticed. While chocolate and flowers are traditionally considered romantic Valentine’s Day traditions, dogs, cats, and other pets who nibble on their owner’s gifts definitely won’t be feeling the love. 

And whilst wine and candy may be a delight for you, they may pose a hidden health risk for your dog or cat.

To make sure your dog’s Valentine’s Day is fun and safe, it’s important to be aware of the dangerous effects common Valentine’s traditions can have on your beloved pet. That’s why in this blog, we’ll tell you about the most common pet dangers of Valentine’s day and how you can avoid them!

Keeping Flowers around your dogs and cats

Who can resist a beautiful bouquet? Flowers are one of the most beautiful details to give and receive on Valentine’s Day. However, it is extremely important that flowers are kept away from your cat or dog, even if at first glance they seem harmless and beautiful.

There are certain types of flowers, traditionally gifted on Valentine’s Day, that are very dangerous for our animal friends, due to the components they possess. And some plants, while not poisonous, can still be harmful (such as roses, since they have sharp thorns that can cause lacerations).

Numerous types of popular Valentine’s Day flowers are deadly to dogs and cats. Many flowers can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach irritation. This is especially true of lilies; all varieties are incredibly noxious to cats!

Cats are especially curious about flowers, so you must be very careful if you have some at home. Our best advice, even if your pet doesn’t seem interested, is not to allow lilies in the house (or the garden). 

If your cat chews on the leaves, drinks the water the flowers stand in, or rubs against the pollen, they are at risk of kidney failure. Why this happens is still a mystery, but the fact remains clear- lilies contain something that is deadly to cats.

Note: Be alert for Easter, Asiatic, Tiger, Rubrum and Day lilies, as well as any flower from the Lilium family. Other toxic plants include Crocus, Daffodils, Amaryllis and Tulips.

Are Chocolates dangerous for dogs and cats?

There’s no shortage of deliciously chocolatey food this time of year. Candies and chocolates are undoubtedly the most popular Valentine’s gift. However, they can also be potentially harmful to your dogs.

There’s no shortage of deliciously chocolatey food this time of year. Candies and chocolates are undoubtedly the most popular Valentine’s gift.

If you’re a dog owner, you’ll probably know that chocolate and candies are amongst the biggest dog risks out there. And although a very nice detail, chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. 

In fact, ingestion of the sweet stuff can lead to nervous system and heart damage, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures! But it’s not only canines who are affected, the caffeine and theobromine in chocolate is a danger to any dog. 

In addition, at general levels, chocolates and candies contain large amounts of sugar, which is harmful to dogs, cats, and (let’s be honest) humans too.

To avoid exposing your dog to poisoning, make sure that if you give or receive chocolates on Valentine’s Day, they are out of your dog’s reach. The same applies to candy, gum, or other sweets that can be exchanged on this date.

If your dog does consume chocolate or candy, make sure to take them to the vet.

Did you know? The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your dog.

Tip: Treat your dog with healthy options, and limit dog treats in general to avoid obesity.

Are Candles safe for your dog and cat?

Warm candlelight always gives that romantic touch to Valentine’s Day dinner. However, if you have dogs in your home, using candles carries certain obvious dangers. 

Never leave a flame unattended. It’s good advice for anyone, but especially for pet owners. 

Animals can easily burn themselves or cause fires by playing with candles that are left out to set the mood.

You should also be aware that pets are often very curious by nature, so it’s not unlikely that they will be attracted to the movement or light of a flame.

Tip: Keep flames out of your pet’s reach (no need for singed whiskers)! Dogs can wag their tails sideways and knock the candle without even noticing it.

Is Alcohol safe for cats and dogs?

What better way to end Valentine’s Day than with a glass of wine? You may love an alcoholic beverage, but your pet’s system certainly doesn’t. 

Alcohol can be poisonous to dogs (even in small doses) and can cause a lot of damage, from kidney failure to respiratory issues. 

This is why you should do everything you can to keep your dog away from alcohol. Don’t share drinks with your furry best friend. Save the red wine for you and your human beau!

How to show your pets you love them

There are many other ways of showing your pets just how much you love them:

Go for a walk to your dog’s favorite place

Every pet has their favorite place to go to. So why not go and take them there? Your dog will have a great time and will appreciate the exercise!

Make some pupcakes for your dog! 

Instead of chocolates and candy, why not make your beloved pet some pupcakes, try some different dog-friendly toppings and reward them every time they’re well behaved!

Surprise them with a new meal 

We all know food is the way to our pets’ hearts. So what better way to show them you love them by feeding them a heart healthy meal, which is not only delicious, but has multiple health benefits! You can switch up your cat or dog’s meal with PET CARE Sciences Salmon Oil! 

Salmon oil tastes incredible and is so easy to pump, pour or squeeze into your pet’s meal. 

You can shop for Salmon Oil here!

To Summarise

Valentine’s Day presents some dangers for your pets that you must take into account if you want to have a nice and smooth day. Remember, there is no greater love than the love your pet has for you, so it is important to be a responsible owner and keep your pet safe during this celebration.

How are you and your pet going to be spending this year’s Valentine’s Day? Do you have any special activities planned with you and your pet? Tell us in the comments!