My Deadly Valentine

My Deadly Valentine

               OK, I admit, the title is a bit dramatic, but, hopefully, it has you intrigued. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. But some common romantic gestures can be dangerous to our furry family members.  We all love our pets, so let’s keep them safe this Valentine’s Day by making sure they don’t have access to the following:

1. Chocolate.  Yeah, this one is probably a no-brainer as almost everyone knows that chocolate is dangerous to pets, but it bears mentioning again. If you want to give your pet a Valentine treat, white chocolate or carob are ok, but make sure your pet does not get into that heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates. Not only could it make him or her very sick, but cleaning up diarrhea or rushing your pet to the vet on Valentine’s Day is NOT romantic. Chocolate vomit doesn’t smell too bad, but it kind of ruins the mood.  Keep those chocolates out of reach of pets!
2. Alcohol.  Many people enjoy a nice glass of wine with their loved one on Valentine’s Day. But make sure pets do not partake of the fruit of the vine.  Any type of alcohol can be toxic to pets.  Even small amounts of alcohol can cause depression, staggering, collapse, and severe cases may cause low blood sugar, low body temperature and low blood pressure. Guard those wine glasses to make sure pets don’t take an accidental sip!
3. Fire.  What’s more romantic than some softly glowing candles or snuggling by the fireplace with your Honey?  While candles can set the mood for a cozy evening, use caution around open flames if you have pets.  Pets, especially cats, can sometimes knock over burning candles potentially causing burns with hot wax or even setting fire to homes.  And don’t leave pets unattended around fireplaces or wood stoves.  A too-curious pet, especially a young puppy or kitten who may not know the dangers of a burning fire, may suffer burns if the touch hot surfaces with paws or noses or if an errant spark lands in their fur.  And make sure pets cannot knock over fireplace implements like pokers and become injured.

So, enjoy the romance, but keep those fur babies far away from the candy, wine and candles!  Patton Veterinary Hospital hopes that you and your pets all have a safe and happy Valentine’s Day!