Action Tips: 11 Ways to have a Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day

Yeah, we know this is dated but hey, you can always plan ahead or mix it up by making another holiday pet-friendly.

OK, so we’ve told you how to have an earth-friendly Valentine’s Day – now how about a pet-friendly one? These tips are great for Valentine’s Day, any holiday, and all-year-round. Everything from flowers, to chocolate, to your choice of wrapping paper can effect your furry little friend, so read on to get some essential tips to show your pet some love this Feb. 14th.

1. Make your flowers pet-safe. Many people don’t know that some all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. If you’re sending flowers to someone with a cat, make sure to nix the lilies this year! And if you receive flowers, make sure to take out any flowers or flora that could be dangerous to your own pet. Check out a guide to poisonous plants to make sure your bouquet is pretty and safe!
2. Speaking of flowers – when you think VDay, do you think roses? We sure do! Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing thorns can cause serious infections. So if you’re de-thorning those roses, be careful that no thorns fall on the floor and make sure to do it an area away from pets.
3. Chocolate can be very dangerous and even fatal to pets. Milk, dark, semi-sweet and baker’s – all kinds – can cause scary symptoms that affect your pet’s gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac systems. So make sure not to share that box of chocolate (with your pet at least) and more importantly, don’t leave it on a low shelf or table where Fido can find it!
4. Other sweet treats might not be so sweet for your furry friends either. Don’t let pets near candy or gum that is sweetened with xylitol – it can cause loss of coordination and even seizures in pets! In general, keep all kinds of candy and edible gifts for human-eating only!
5. Eating in this Valentine’s Day? If you’re planning on making it romantic (or just more festive) with candles, put them out whenever you leave or get up from a room because pawing kittens and pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire if candles are left unattended.
6. And speaking of eating, leave the leftovers for another day. Don’t give them to your pets. All human foods-especially fatty, spicy or things with bones- should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.
7. Wrapping a present for your loved one? Make sure you gather up all that tape, ribbon, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane, balloons, and anything else! If swallowed these “fun-to-chew” items can cause serious damage in your pet’s throat or digestive tracts.
8. Planning on giving or getting something cute and cuddly for VDay this year? Here are a few very important things to think about first. Returning a pet someone didn't want is anything but romantic! Animals are a lifelong commitment, and many people want to choose their own pet. A great idea is go with your loved one to adopt an animal from a shelter.
9. Like you need an excuse! Devote some of VDay to snuggling with your pet.
10. When planning your VDay gift giving, don’t forget your pets. Just make sure to show your affection with toys that are safe. Many dogs love their toys to pieces (literally!). Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, digestible chew treats or Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods.
11. Don’t forget the animals at the shelter. Lots of people make donations of time or food at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza. Create a new tradition of showing some heart and donating some of your time, talent or treasure to your local animal shelter at Valentine’s Day too.



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