Valentines dangers for pets

Love is in the air!  Every February 14th across the US, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.  The origins of Valentines Day is a mystery, shrouded with stories from Christian and ancient Roman tradition.  While the truth behind this holiday is murky, the stories all emphasize a romantic celebration in honor of St. Valentine.

Like many holidays there are potential dangers for our pets in the items associated with the holiday.

Roses are red.. while roses don't often cause serious poisoning beyond gastrointestinal upsets, there are risks for trauma to the mouth and paws from thorns.

Lilies are often placed in fresh bouquets and make a beautiful alternative to roses.  Toxins associated with the petals, leaves, pollen or even the water in the vase are extremely toxic to cats and cause acute kidney failure within one or two days of exposure.  Dogs don't develop kidney failure but may have g.i. upsets.  For cats, within a few hours of exposure, may display vomiting, reduced appetite and lethargy.  These signs progress to drinking lots of water and visiting the litter box a lot! (PU/PD).  Within 18-30 hours, severe dehydrating develops.  Within 30-72 hours they may stop producing urine.  The rapid onset of treatment is important.  If you feel your cat has drank water from a flower vase or chewed on them, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate and cocoa can be toxic.  How toxic depends on how much your pet has eaten and they type of chocolate eaten.  In general the darker (more concentrated) the chocolate the more toxic.  Pets that ingest a few M & M's are unlikely to develop toxicity.  Signs usually include vomiting, diarrhea and PU/PD.  With large amounts and dark chocolates your pet may appear agitated, increases in heart rate, tremors, seizures and collapse.  It is always good to just call your veterinarian for advise.

Chocolate covered raisins are a double whammy.  Not only the toxicity of the chocolate but the raisins cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and maybe cats.  Not all pets are sensitive to the raisins, therefore, you should watch your pet closely if you suspect your dog has ingested this sweet.  Once again it's a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

Chocolate covered expresso beans (caffeine) is another double whammy.  The caffeine from the chocolate and the beans double your pet's dose.  Pets are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than people.  While one or two beans won't have enough caffeine to poison, ingestion of moderate amounts, coffee grounds, tea bags or diet pills can easily cause death in small dogs or cats.  In general, within one or two hours after ingestion you may not vomiting, hyperactivity, restlessness, elevated heart rates, seizures and/or collapse.  What to do?  Call your vet.

Chocolate covered macadamia nuts (my personal favorite!) Same chocolate concerns, along with toxic effects to dogs from the nuts.  Affecting the neuromuscular system, within 3-6 hours of ingestion, your dog may become lethargic, vomit, and run a fever.  Within 6-12 hours: hind limb weakness, walking funny, tremors, or unable to stand.  There may be signs of abdominal pain, lameness, joint stiffness, and pale gums.  Answer:  yep, call your vet.

Sugar free treats such as frostings from cakes and candies may contain Xylitol, a common sugar substitute.  This toxin may cause a life threatening drop in blood sugar as well as liver damage in dogs.  Typically, the amount needed to cause poisoning is at least 0.05 g per pour of body weight (doesn't take much!)  Within 10-15 minutes after ingestion your dog may develop low blood sugar, lose coordination, and vomit.  Collapse and seizures may quickly follow. This is a emergency.  CALL YOUR VET!

Now that you are petrified to bring anything home to your loved one.  Let me make some suggestions: a romantic dinner for two (at a restaurant), a romantic week-end at a B & B (without pets or children) or a new thought I had this year; make a Valentine's resolution to your loved one, a promise to work on improving an annoying habit that your significant other crazy or establish new habits that will strengthen your relationship together.