Valentine’s Day 2022: Do’s and Don'ts for Pet Parents

LEARN MORE

Arrow

FLOWERS  

• DON’T purchase a bouquet of flowers that are toxic to your Valentine’s pets. For example, lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause life-threatening kidney failure. Other common flowers that are toxic to pets include tulips, ranunculus, chrysanthemums, gardenias, amaryllis, and carnations. • DON’T send roses either.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

FLOWERS  

While roses are non-toxic, their thorns often cause injuries to a curious pet’s mouth and paws. • DO purchase pet-friendly flowers such as gerbera daisies, petunias, sunflowers, moth orchids, and African violets. • DO double-check that a flower or plant is pet-friendly by using the ASPCA Plant Guide or Plant Snap.   

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

EDIBLE GIFTS 

• DON’T get your Valentine chocolate – especially if their pet is known for getting into food. Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more harmful it can be. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

EDIBLE GIFTS 

Be sure to steer clear of chocolate-covered raisins, coffee beans, or macadamia nuts, because within these treats are bonus levels of toxicities! • DON’T purchase candy or baked goods that contain xylitol. This sugarless sweetener is very toxic to dogs and can cause a drop in blood sugar, as well as liver failure.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

EDIBLE GIFTS 

• DO get a treat for your Valentine’s pet such as a gourmet treat or cupcake that is specifically made for pets. It’s never a bad idea to spoil your Valentine’s pet! • DO opt for a human food or dessert that isn’t toxic to your Valentine’s pet such as berries and plain, vanilla yogurt.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

EDIBLE GIFTS 

• DO tell your Valentine if their gift is edible so they can keep it out of their pet’s reach. Even if the food isn’t toxic, pets that eat sugary, fatty foods are at an increased risk of pancreatitis and obesity. 

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 

• DON’T leave alcoholic beverages unattended. It only takes a small amount of alcohol to make a pet sick. Keep in mind that in addition to alcohol poisoning, wine can also cause grape poisoning. • DO put pets in a separate room if there is a spill. Promptly clean up the spill before allowing the pets back into the room.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

• DON’T bring along dental hygiene products that contain xylitol such as gum, mints, or even toothpaste and mouthwash. If you typically keep some in your purse, bag, or pockets – remove these items! Again, xylitol products are very toxic to dogs. • Planning to stay overnight or need to freshen your breath?

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Then DO read the ingredients and choose dental hygiene products that don’t contain xylitol. 

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

CANDLES 

• DON’T use open–flamed candles for dinner or to fill a room. A wagging tail, curious paws, or whiskers can easily get burned or start a fire. • DO keep pets out of the room if you do choose to use any open-flamed candles. Promptly extinguish the candles while unattended.

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

CANDLES 

• DO use battery-operated candles that don’t have a real flame, especially if it’s not an option to keep pets in a separate room. 

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

STUFFED ANIMALS 

• DON’T give your Valentine a stuffed animal with plastic eyes or a plastic nose if their pet is a chewer. Also, avoid stuffed animals that have little accessories or sequins. These objects can be easily removed and cause a choking hazard to pets. • DO get your Valentine’s pet a pet-specific plush toy. Why? Well, why not?   

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

GIFT WRAP AND RIBBONS 

• DON’T wrap your Valentine’s gift with any string or ribbon. Pets, especially cats, may swallow the long material, which can get stuck in the throat or digestive tract. This will require emergency surgery to remove. • DO promptly throw away any gift wrap or bows to avoid any potential dangers. 

Yellow Wavy Line

NEXT PAGE

Arrow

More

READ

10 Most Unique Pets You Can Own

9 Exotic Cat Breeds You May Have Never Seen Before

10 Most Popular Dog Names

See More

See More

See More