The big day has here, and for many, romance is in the air.
If you are fortunate enough to get a Valentine’s present today, keep in mind that they may not be as enjoyable for your pet as they are for you.
While flowers, chocolates, and champagne may be the perfect reward for humans, they can cause major problems for some members of the animal kingdom.
To ensure that our furry companions are not enticed, those of us who care for animals must keep anything hazardous away from them.
Here’s what you should know:
Keep these Valentine’s Day gifts away from your pet
If your Valentine is gracious enough to gift you something pleasant today, keep it out of reach of any curious dogs.
If you are aware that your spouse has a large number of pets, or if you are particularly concerned about any of them, you may always hunt for pet-safe alternatives.
Chocolate
One of the most well-known risks to dogs also happens to be one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts – chocolates.
Chocolate includes theobromine, a substance that is toxic to pets and is especially harmful to dogs.
The Kennel Club state: ‘Dogs are particularly sensitive to theobromine and it can be poisonous to them in large enough amounts.
‘Theobromine can make dogs unwell in a number of different ways, but its main effect is to cause an overstimulation of their muscles, including their heart.’
Alcohol
While many of us enjoy a glass of wine or two on Valentine’s Day, this should not be the case for your pet.
Alcohol is toxic to pets, especially small animals, where even trace quantities can cause issues.
Make sure there are no open alcoholic beverages on the side or anyplace a pet may get to them.
Roses
Roses, which are frequently presented as Valentine’s Day presents, might be hazardous for any animal pals you have around the house.
The flowers themselves are rarely the issue. Roses, on the other hand, contain sharp thorns along their stems that can rip or penetrate a pet’s skin and create much more issues if consumed.
If you want to offer a pet owner roses, make sure the thorns are removed beforehand.
Lilies
Lilies are many people’s favourite flowers and may make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift.
However, a variety of species can be hazardous to household animals such as cats. A tiny bit of the flower might induce renal failure, and because cats are typically interested, it is advisable to give them an alternate flower instead.
Tulips
Tulips can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, and hypersalivation in dogs and cats.
Despite being aesthetically beautiful, they should be avoided while pets are around.
Tulip bulbs are poisonous and can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, and heart irregularities.
Daffodils
Daffodils are another plant that may be harmful to animals.
The bulb, like Tulips, is extremely dangerous and, if consumed, can cause severe vomiting and other difficulties in dogs.
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