Valentine’s Day will be here in less than two weeks. While you’re celebrating with that special someone, remember to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind! Learn more below from an Ellicott City, MD veterinarian.

Watch the Sweet Treats

More than likely, there are a few chocolate treats in your home around Valentine’s Day. Chocolate of all types is not safe for pets, because it contains chemicals like theobromine and caffeine that don’t agree with animals. Too much chocolate will cause lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and worse if your pet ingests it!

Candy is another common Valentine’s Day pet hazard. It’s often sweetened with xylitol, an artificial sugar that has toxic properties for pets. Keep all candy and sweets stored in containers or cabinets where your pet won’t be able to reach.

Keep Human Food to Yourself

Are you going to be sharing a romantic holiday meal with your significant other? Remember that plenty of human foods aren’t safe for pets. The list includes onions, garlic, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, grapes and raisins, avocado, salt, certain types of nuts, fatty or rich foods, and much more. Keep table scraps to a minimum, and don’t leave harmful food out on countertops or tables where a crafty pet could swipe it down.

Caution With Candles

Will you be lighting candles to set a romantic mood this Valentine’s Day? It’s always best to place them with caution. Pets could swipe a tail or paw through an open flame, potentially burning themselves, or even knocking over the candle and starting a fire. Play it safe, and place candles where pets can’t reach.

Alcohol Awareness

Your holiday celebrations may very well include alcoholic beverages. Keep a close eye on drinks so that your pet can’t sneak a sip—alcohol is very bad for pets! It affects animals the same way it affects us, except that it only takes small amounts to cause alcohol poisoning. This goes for liquor, wine, beer, and champagne, as well as foods cooked with alcohol.

Check Your Flowers

Make user to check your holiday bouquets and floral arrangements for any plant life that could harm your pet. Lilies, in particular, are common around Valentine’s Day and are toxic to cats, and could harm dogs as well.

Does your animal friend need a checkup? We’re here to help with all of your pet-care needs! Contact your Ellicott City, MD veterinary clinic.