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SPCA Tips for a Pet Friendly Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Tips

Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for
humans if dangerous foods, flora and other items are
kept out of paws’ reach. Each year our poison control
experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many
involving chocolate and lilies, a flower that’s potentially
fatal to cats. So please heed our experts’ advice—don’t
leave the goodies lying around on Lover’s Day.

Pet-Safe Bouquets

Many pet owners are still unaware that all species of lily
are potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral
arrangement, specify that it contain no lilies if the recipient
has a cat—and when receiving an arrangement, sift through
and remove all dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from
symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, he
may have ingested an offending flower or plant. Use our
online toxic and nontoxic plant libraries as visual guides of
what and what not should be in your bouquets.

Forbidden Chocolate

Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening
dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk
and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines—caffeine-
like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic
and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea,
hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart
rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can
potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the
pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate
out for chowhounds to find.

Careful with Cocktails

Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor
are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up.
Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of
alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea,
lack of coordination, central nervous system depression,
tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and
even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also
occur if a large enough amount is ingested.

Life Is Sweet

So don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If
ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this
sweetener can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar
known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer
depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers.
Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines
can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. “It’s all too
easy for pets to step on thorns 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. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.

Playing with Fire

It’s nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight, but put
out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy
pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over
unattended candles.

Wrap it Up

Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane
and balloons after presents have been opened—if swallowed,
these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged
in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke
or vomit.

The Furry Gift of Life?

Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentine’s
Day gift—however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is
anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them
a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else
doesn’t always turn out right. Those living in the Manhattan
area can let their loved one choose their own cat with a gift
certificate to adopt from the ASPCA. If you’re not from New
York, check your local animal care facility or take a romantic
trip to the shelter together.