Love Your Pets Safely This Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2024 (AUSTIN, Texas) – Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and affection, not only to our human companions but also to our beloved pets. Thrive Pet Healthcare, a leading veterinary healthcare network with more than 380 locations in 37 states across the U.S., advises pet owners to prioritize their furry friends’ safety and well-being during this special occasion.

“Whether you’re giving or receiving flowers, chocolates or other Valentine’s Day goodies this week, please be mindful of their hazards to pets in the home,” said Dr. Tony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine. “The last place any pet owner wants to be on Valentine’s Day is at the emergency vet.”

Below are the most common Valentine’s Day items that are harmful to pets:

If you receive a floral arrangement or plant from your Valentine, keep it out of reach of pets. Many common ornamental plants are toxic to pets. Lilies, while harmful to both dogs and cats, are particularly dangerous to cats. All parts of the lily plant are toxic, including the vase water, even in small amounts. Ingestion can lead to severe kidney failure. For cat owners, removing lilies entirely from the home is the safest course of action to prevent accidental poisoning.

“If you suspect your cat has chewed on lily leaves or see pollen on their fur, seek help immediately,” said Dr. Coronado. “If you wait until the cat begins to act ill, organ damage may have already occurred.”

All types of chocolate contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and abnormal heart rates. Baking, semi-sweet and dark chocolate are most harmful when ingested.

“If you receive chocolates for Valentine’s Day, keep them away from your pets, even if they are in a box or sealed package,” said Dr. Coronado.

Alcoholic beverages like wine, champagne and liquor can be life-threatening to pets if ingested. Alcohol poisoning symptoms in pets can appear quickly and include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, tremors, difficult breathing and coma. Dogs and cats may investigate and sometimes drink glasses of alcoholic beverages that may be left unattended.

Dr. Coronado adds, “Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can have a huge impact on a pet.”

This sweetener takes the place of sugar in some foods. It’s found in gum, candy and some peanut butters.

“Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to low blood sugar, seizures and liver failure,” said Dr. Coronado. “Check ingredient labels and keep xylitol-containing products away from your pets.”

Sharing leftovers with your pet from that romantic dinner could pose serious risks to their health. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal or one from a restaurant, leftovers often contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, including bones, onions, garlic, fats and spices. These can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting or pancreatitis. Bones or sharp bone fragments in meat can cause mouth, stomach and intestinal injuries, or obstructions, which may result in life-threatening infections for your furry friend.

Dr. Coronado emphasizes, “When it comes to your pet’s health, regardless of the time of day, never hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful. A simple phone call could save your pet’s life.”

Should your pet ingest a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Their treatment advisors will provide you with a case number that veterinarians can reference when treating your pet.

To search for Thrive Pet Healthcare locations offering primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency veterinary care, visit www.ThrivePetCare.com.

About Thrive Pet Healthcare:

Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit www.thrivepetcare.com.