Dogs really ARE Miracles with Paws!!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day! And a Word of Caution...



Wishing you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day!

A few reminders so that we can all relax and have a good time together!!


Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans if dangerous foods, flora and other items are kept out of paws’ reach. Each year poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate and lilies, a flower that’s potentially fatal to cats. So please heed the experts’ advice — don’t leave the goodies lying around on Valentine’s Day.

Pet-Safe Bouquets
Many pet owners are still unaware that all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral arrangement, specify that it contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat — and when receiving an arrangement, sift through and remove all dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, he may have ingested an offending flower or plant. Use online toxic and nontoxic plant libraries as visual guides of what and what not should be in your bouquets.

Forbidden Chocolate
Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines— caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find.

Careful with Cocktails
Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large enough amount is ingested.

Life Is Sweet
So don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. “It’s all too easy for pets to step on thorns that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.

Playing with Fire
It’s nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.

Wrap it Up
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened — if swallowed, these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke or vomit.

The Furry Gift of Life?
Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentine’s Day gift — however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out right. Consider a gift certificate for a local shelter!
Copyright ASPCA

10 comments:

easy rider said...

I hope all are careful today and if they give a puppy or a kitty to their beloved one it may be furever not just for today :o) Happy Valentines day!

Bell Fur Zoo said...

Great Tips!! We hope you have a pawesome Valentines Day :)
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda

SUGAR: Golden Woofs said...

Happy Happy LOVE Day! Sending lots of Golden LOVE & Woofs, SUGAR the Golden Retriever

The OP Pack said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you!!!

Love and Woos - Ciara and Lightning

Oz theTerrier said...

Happy Valentine's Day!!! And thanks for the great reminders!

ann thompson said...

Good list of things to watch for. We want to keep those dogs and cats safe out there. Happy Valentine's Day

Mitch and Molly said...

Great post, girls! Happy Valentine's Day☺

Pip said...

I love this quote. And of course, great tips for everyone!

Dory and the Mama said...

Thanks for the great tips!
Happy Valentine Day Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

M. K. Clinton said...

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that your day was extra special. ♥ ♥