You can share the love with your pets on Valentine’s Day by taking special care to keep them safe. Click here to read my previous Valentine’s Day safety article.
Many women dream of that perfect piece of sparkling new jewelry on Valentine’s Day. Those sparkling baubles and beads are also appealing to our pets. Ingesting a piece of jewelry could cause stomach distress, breathing difficulties and intestinal blockage. So if you are lucky enough to receive some new bling this year, put it on immediately or store it safely in your jewelry box and don’t tempt your pets.
Dinner by candlelight may be romantic for you and your partner but dangerous for your pets if you leave the room with the flames still burning. The flames will be attractive to your pets and it wouldn’t take much for them to tip over the candles and start a fire.
Pets will play with anything that you leave lying around so make sure you clean up after wrapping gifts and decorating. Balloons, cellophane, tape, ribbons and bows should be kept well out of your pets’ reach.
Animals love to explore with their mouths and paws and make toys out of all types of objects. The best thing to do is to keep all of your candy, decorations and plants out of reach of curious puppies and kitties. If you suspect your pet has ingested something that may be harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately. Always make sure you have the phone number of the nearest animal emergency clinic. Ingestion of poisonous or dangerous substances by your pet frequently requires immediate veterinary attention and may happen when your regular vet is not available.
One of the best ways to keep your pets content and out of trouble this Valentine’s Day is to give them some special gifts of their own. More than 75% of pet owners in the U. S. give gifts to their pets on special occasions. Pet stores and on-line retailers have plenty of Valentine-themed goodies for your furry friends – heart-shaped plush toys and beds, Valentine’s Day bones, and blankets emblazoned with heart shapes.
And one final warning - A cute and cuddly puppy or kitten may seem to be the perfect romantic gift for Valentine’s Day. However, returning a pet isn’t as easy as returning a sweater that is the wrong size or color. Companion animals come with a lifelong commitment. Choosing a pet for someone else is not always the best idea. If you want to give a pet to someone else, contact a local rescue organization and find out if you can prepay the adoption fee and get a “gift certificate” that will allow the recipient to choose their own furry new companion. Give the recipient a gift basket with the certificate, a stuffed kitten or puppy, and treats and toys for their new companion. Click here for more information on giving pets as gifts.
For more information:
- Valentines Day Pet Safety Tips (from animal behaviorist Diana Guerrero)
- Valentine’s Day Tips from the ASPCA
- Tips for giving your dog some extra love on Valentine’s Day
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