Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching. Flowers will be sent and chocolates will be devoured, but some of these things can be dangerous for our pets. It’s important to keep certain foods, flowers and other items out of paws’ reach. There’s a rise in cases for poison control every year around Valentine’s Day that involve chocolate and lilies which can be potentially fatal for our cats.
We have listed some advice and pet tips to help you and your furry friends have a safe and happy holiday!
Pet-Friendly Flowers
Be sure to request that lilies are removed from a bouquet if the recipient has a cat at home. If you receive a bouquet of flowers, make sure to look through and remove all the dangerous flowers and plants. Check out this list of what should and shouldn’t be in your bouquets for the safety of your pets.
Chocolate
It’s okay for us to indulge in a little chocolate, but for our pets it can cause some damage and possible be life-threatening. With darker chocolates there’s a chance that it can affect gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiac function which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The lighter chocolates contain higher fat and can also lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Leave the chocolate to the humans and keep it out of paws’ reach!
Alcohol
It’s a completely normal time to break out a little wine or bubbly, but be sure to be extra cautious around your pets. If you spill your drink, make sure to clean it up before
your pet can get to it and lick it up. Due to their smaller size, it can cause a lot of harm or potentially fatal respiratory failure if enough is ingested.
Thorns
Keep your flower arrangements away from your pet! If they step, bite or swallow a thorny flower it can cause a serious infection or a puncture.
Burning Candles
It’s nice to have a romantic setting with candles or a little burning flame, but be sure to put the flame out before leaving the room. Our pets might be nosy and curious and can either cause a fire by knocking them over or burn themselves.
Gifts and Packaging
All of those pretty bows, ribbons, cellophane and balloons can cause your pet to choke or vomit if ingested. After opening presents, just do a quick clean-up session so it doesn’t pose a problem for your furry friends!
Four-legged Companion
What’s better than getting a cuddly puppy or kitten for Valentine’s Day – however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on having is not so romantic. A furry friend is a lifelong commitment and sometimes choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out right. Instead of adopting a pet for someone, you can always get an adoption gift certificate for that special someone! With no expiration date, your sweetheart has as long as it takes to find the pet of their dreams. Adoption gift certificates can be purchased by phone at (425) 649-7563 or in person at the shelter.
And if the time is right now, come visit the Seattle Humane – we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with half price adoption fees on dogs and cats 3 years and up, February 13-15!
Enjoy a happy and pet safe Valentine’s Day!
