Valentine's Day has come and gone, and your house is full of candy and flowers. These are common items that can be found in most homes in February can be potentially harmful to dogs. Here is a list of popular Valentine's Day gifts that should be kept away from your pup:
-Chocolate: Dogs that ingest chocolate can show signs of upset stomach, vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, and even seizures.
-Alcohol: Dogs' kidneys aren't made to process alcohol like humans, so ALL types of alcohol need to be kept far away from dogs.
-Rich, Fatty Foods: Human food that is high in fat can cause upset stomach and could potentially cause pancreatitis as well. As much as your dog would love the fatty trimmings from your steak, it is best they stick with dog treats and food.
-Certain Flowers: Common flowers found in bouquets around this time are roses and lilies which are toxic to dogs AND cats. Make sure to leave your flowers at work or outside to keep them away from your furry friends!
-Xylitol: Commonly found in gum, breath mints, and sugar-free foods, Even peanut butter can contain xylitol, so check the label before giving anything to your dog.
-Caffeine: Soda, energy drinks, coffee, and tea are just a few things that contain caffeine. Don't forget to make sure your used coffee grounds and used tea bags are out of reach as well.
-Certain Nuts: Macadamias, pecans, and pistachios are a few nuts that can be potentially harmful to dogs due to the high levels of fat and other toxins they contain.
-Certain Fruits & Vegetables: Onions, garlic, avocados, wild mushrooms, rhubarb, and grapes top the list of fruits and veggies that need to be kept away due to the reactions they can cause for dogs.
-Certain Essential Oils: Tea tree, cloves, and thyme are a few known oils that are harmful for dogs. Even with oils that are safe for dogs (such as lavender and frankincense) need to be used with caution and only applied when a carrier oil is used.
If you think that your dog has ingested any of the items on this list, contact your vet immediately! If you need help finding some dog-friendly treats that you can give to your pup for Valentine's Day, stop by our front office and check out some of the cookies we currently have for sale.
