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ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day

ROMANCE LOVERS, PROTECT YOUR PETS!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, sweethearts everywhere are
searching far and wide for that perfect gift to give to loved ones
during this romance-filled time of year—roses, chocolates &
candy, a candle-lit dinner with wine, perhaps even a new
four-legged friend. But the ASPCA wants to caution you
that some traditional Valentine’s Day gift and celebration
ideas should come with a warning for your furry or feathered
companions.

DON’T LET YOUR ANIMALS EAT CHOCOLATE
Chocolate, a popular gift around this time of year, can be
dangerous to pets. A ten pound dog can come away with
vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally
elevated heart rate from just two ounces of baking chocolate
or 20 ounces of milk chocolate. Cats are sensitive, too, but
they don't normally eat large enough amounts of chocolate to
cause anything worse than gastrointestinal upset. Chocolates
also contain fat and caffeine-like substances known as
methylxanthines, which can potentially cause the above
symptoms and, in severe cases, death.

PUT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SAFELY AWAY
Many a curious pet has explored an alcoholic beverage left
in a glass. If ingested, this could cause vomiting, diarrhea, a
lack of coordination, central nervous system depression,
tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and
coma. Alcohol can even cause death from respiratory failure
if a large enough amount is ingested. It is important to keep
in mind that animals are not only smaller than us, they often
metabolize substances differently. This makes pets more
susceptible to alcohol in smaller amounts. We advise not
allowing pets to have any access to alcoholic beverages or
other alcohol-based products.

DON’T LET YOUR ANIMALS INGEST SUGAR SUBSTITUTE
Another potential hazard is gum or candy sweetened with
the sugar substitute xylitol, which can cause a fairly sudden
drop in blood sugar (known as hypoglycemia). This can
result in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. “If you
suspect your dog may have eaten products containing any of
these harmful ingredients, please seek veterinary treatment
immediately,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist
and Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

KEEP HOLIDAY FLOWERS OUT OF REACH
Many varieties of lilies are highly toxic to cats, so if these are
your Valentine’s flower of choice, make sure your cats can’t get
near them.

Other potentially poisonous flowers may include:
- tulips (especially if potted, as the bulbs are the most toxic)
- amaryllis (same as tulips)
- Calla lily (can cause intense oral and gastrointestinal irritation)
- daisies
- chrysanthemums
- baby's breath

Safer alternatives might include:
- African violet
- asters
- camellia
- Canna lilies (they are not of the genus Lilium)
- jasmine
- orchids

Check out our toxic plant list to be sure that your choice of
flower or plant is a safe one. Much of the information you’ll
find there is pertinent for birds, as well as dogs and cats.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants

KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY FROM THORNS
Pet owners are urged to take caution with roses and other
flowers containing thorns, which could be potentially harmful
to pets if played with, bitten, stepped on or swallowed. “It’s all
too easy for pets to step on thorny stems that fall to the ground
as a flower arrangement is being created,” says Dr. Louise Murray,
Director of Medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal
Hospital. “Be sure to keep your pets clear of your workspace
as you arrange your beautiful flowers, since they can develop
serious infections from thorn punctures.”

DON’T LEAVE CANDLES BURNING
Candlelit dinners are romantic, just don’t leave the room
while the flames are still burning. Let curious paws and beaks
find other, safer things to play with.

CLEAN UP AFTER WRAPPING AND DECORATING
Make sure to keep balloons, cellophane, tape, ribbons, bows
and other wrapping items or festive decorations out of your
pets’ reach. Choking on any of these items, or ingesting them,
may prove hazardous to your pet’s health.

THE RIGHT WAY TO GIVE PETS AS PRESENTS
It may seem very tempting to give your loved one a new
puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day. They sure are cute and
cuddly! But the ASPCA wants to remind you that bringing a
new companion animal into your home is a big decision. Why
not present your loved one with a gift certificate to adopt from
your local shelter, or take a trip to the shelter together? You
might just make another love match.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Feb. 8, 2008