Top tips to keep your pets safe this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a common time for flowers and chocolates to be seen in many homes. However, some of the tasty treats and colourful bouquets we see at this time of year can be harmful to our pets.

We share some tips and hazards to be aware of to keep your four-legged friend safe this Valentine’s Day…

Lilies

These are a popular flower usually added to bouquets, but are toxic to both dogs and cats. Lily pollen in the air can settle on your pet’s coat and if licked off can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and is even more toxic to cats. Ingesting pollen or drinking the water lilies stand in can cause rapid and often irreversible kidney damage in cats, even leading to death. To avoid any health issues, keep them out of the home and away from your furry friends.

Daffodils

Popular at this time of year, due to spring and Easter, daffodils are often seen in gardens and homes to brighten up the environment. Daffodil bulbs, along with tulip, hyacinth, amaryllis, snowdrop and narcissus bulbs, can cause nasty reactions if eaten and can even be fatal in some cases. Whilst the bulbs carry the greatest amount of toxin, even the flowers contain chemicals that can cause digestive upset. If possible, try to refrain from bringing them into the home and keep your dog away from any in the garden to prevent them being dug up and eaten.

Tulips

Tulips are one of the country’s most loved flowers and a firm favourite in bouquets. However, they are toxic to pets with the bulb being the most toxic part. All parts of the tulip contain alkaloids which if swallowed can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression.

Sweet treats

Chocolate and sweet treats are a popular gift shared around Valentine’s Day but is not something that your pet should be eating. Chocolate is very poisonous to our furry friends due to it containing theobromine and caffeine which pets take longer to metabolise than we do. This leads to a build up of toxins in the body which can cause digestive upset or in more serious cases seizures and death. Dogs, cats and rabbits are particularly affected.

Sweets are also something that should be kept away from pets as many contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol which is also toxic to dogs and cats. Hard sweets and wrappers can also pose a choking risk to pets so always keep them out of reach.

Candles

They may create a romantic and cosy atmosphere in the home, but pets and fire are never a safe mix. If you do decide to light a candle or two, keep them in high, out of reach places so they can’t be knocked over.

Wine

Red wine is traditionally consumed during romantic Valentine’s evenings. However, even a small amount of alcohol can be dangerous to pets. If you plan to enjoy a glass of wine during your romantic meal, be sure to keep it out of reach and somewhere your furry friend cannot get to it.

Cards

Although these may not be as much of a worry for pet owners, some light up and contain batteries, which if chewed by your dog can cause issues. Be sure to put any cards up high and out of reach, away from your four-legged friends.

Speak to your vet

If you think your pet may have consumed any of the above, speak to your vet right away. If you are worried about their health and think they may have eaten something not meant for them but are unsure, contact your vet as they are best placed to offer the correct advice for your pet.