Valentine's Day Hazards

Valentine’s Day is a time for cupid, chocolates, roses and candlelight dinners with your sweetheart. The heart-filled celebration may also bring hazards to our canine companions. Remember to keep your dogs safe by following these Valentine safety tips:

1. Keep Valentine chocolates out of your dog’s reach as chocolate contains theobromine, which if ingested
may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, tremors or even death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of theobromine and higher the risk; a ¼ ounce of baker’s chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate can cause serious problems for a 10 pound dog. White chocolate does not contain theobromine but still contains a lot of sugar and fat which may cause stomach upset if ingested.

2. Unsweetened Valentine candies may contain xylitol which may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in vomiting, weakness, depression, loss of coordination and seizures if ingested by dogs. If candy wrappers are also ingested, intestinal blockages may occur.

3. Roses are not toxic themselves, but the thorns may cause cuts and scrapes to a dogs’ nose, paws and mouth if your dog gets too close and best to keep out of your dog’s reach.

4. Do not allow your dog to accidentally drink wine and other alcoholic drinks during your intimate dinner as this may cause weakness, vomiting and if ingested in abundance, even coma and death.

5. Lingerie gifts including lacy underwear, under wire bras and robes with ribbons can be enticing for your dog if found around the house and may cause intestinal blockages if chewed and swallowed; keep out of your dog’s reach.

6. Keep liquid scented potpourri out of your dog’s reach as may be potentially toxic if ingested and can cause skin & eye irritation.

7. Candles create romantic settings but may cause intestinal blockages if ingested and burn the dog’s nose, hair and paws if they get too close while exploring – and watch that wagging tail so it doesn’t knock over a burning candle and put everybody at risk.