Love is in the Air: Keep Your Pets Safe This Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day brings chocolates, flowers, and candles into the home — several of which are genuinely dangerous to pets, and easy to overlook in the middle of a holiday evening.
Here's a quick rundown of the most common Valentine's Day hazards, what makes them dangerous, and how to keep your pet safe without skipping the celebration.
What to watch out for
Five common hazards this time of year.
Chocolate
Dogs & cats
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate carry the highest concentration — even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures.
–Keep all chocolate out of reach, including gift boxes left on counters or tables
–If your pet ingests any, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line: (888) 426-4435
Flowers
Especially cats
Many common Valentine's bouquet flowers are toxic — lilies in particular are an extreme risk for cats. Even minor exposure — licking pollen off their coat — can cause acute kidney failure.
Lilies
Extremely toxic to cats. Any part of the plant — petals, leaves, pollen, even the water in the vase — can cause kidney failure. Keep out of the home entirely if you have cats.
Roses
Not toxic, but thorns can injure paws and mouths. Keep arrangements elevated and dispose of fallen petals promptly.
Baby's breath
Common filler in bouquets — can cause vomiting and stomach upset if ingested. Best kept out of reach.
Pet-safe alternatives: Sunflowers, gerbera daisies, snapdragons, and orchids are generally safe and make beautiful arrangements.
Sweets and sugar-free treats
Dogs especially
Xylitol — an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters — is highly toxic to dogs. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, and at higher doses, liver failure. Check labels on anything sugar-free before it enters the house.
–Alcohol is also toxic to pets — even small amounts can cause serious problems. Keep drinks inaccessible, especially at gatherings.
Candles and decorations
All pets
Open flames and curious pets are a straightforward hazard — a knocked-over candle can cause burns or start a fire. Ribbon, string, and decorative foil are equally risky if swallowed, potentially causing intestinal blockages that require surgery.
–Flameless LED candles are a genuinely good substitute — the ambiance is similar and the risk is eliminated
–Dispose of gift wrap, ribbon, and bows immediately after opening — don't leave them on the floor
Gift wrap and packaging
All pets
Tissue paper, cellophane, boxes, and packaging peanuts are irresistible to many pets. Ingesting them can cause digestive upset or, in larger amounts, an obstruction that requires veterinary intervention. Clean up promptly after any gift exchange.
If your pet gets into something
Act quickly — don't wait to see if symptoms develop. Call your vet or one of the following immediately:
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661
Include them safely
Ways to include your pet in the day.
Pets don't need chocolate or roses to feel loved. A few simple things go a long way:
–A new toy or enrichment puzzle
–Pet-safe treats — plain cooked chicken, carrot slices, or a small amount of plain pumpkin
–Extra time — a longer walk, a proper play session, or just an evening on the couch together
Questions about your pet's health?
Saving Grace offers in-home wellness visits across greater Los Angeles. If you have concerns about something your pet may have ingested, or just want to schedule a routine checkup, we're here.
