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Chocolate and flowers are among some of the most cherished gifts on Valentine’s day, but they can also be the most harmful to your four-legged friends. Check out the tips below to find out how to keep your pets safe.
Chocolate toxicity: Most of us know that chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats, so chocolate and chocolate-containing foods and beverages should never be offered to pets. The likelihood of toxicity depends on the amount as well as the type of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, with unsweetened baking chocolate being more toxic than milk chocolate: Milk Chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog.
Baking chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight. Two one-ounce squares of baker’s chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.
Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines which include theobromine. Signs of toxicity can develop as early as 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urinations, abnormal heart rate/rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and even death. Animals with a history of heart disease or seizures may be at increased risk for signs. The high sugar content and fats contained in chocolate can also cause digestive upset and possible pancreatitis. If your pet has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian. While chocolate toxicity is perhaps the most commonly thought of potential danger for pets around Valentine’s Day, there are several other potential dangers to keep in mind:
Foil, cellophane wrappers, ribbons and balloons: These items can cause digestive upset and potential obstruction of the digestive tract if swallowed. Make sure these items are disposed of properly.
Macadamia Nuts: Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and increased body temperature and can progress to incoordination. Pale gums, muscle tremors, abdominal pain and joint stiffness may also be noted. Symptoms from the ingestion of macadamia nuts usually start within several hours of ingestion.
Xylitol: Xylitol is a sweetener used in gum, candy, baked goods. Xylitol causes the release of insulin and can result in a rapid decrease in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of hypoglycemia include lethargy, depression, incoordination and even
seizures. Signs can develop rapidly, within 30 minutes of ingestion.
Alcohol: Do not leave cocktails or other alcoholic beverages setting out. Pets are generally much smaller than humans, so a small amount of alcohol can do a lot of harm. Consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression,
respiratory difficulty, coma and death.
Chocolate and flowers are among some of the most cherished gifts on Valentine’s day, but they can also be the most harmful to your four-legged friends. Check out the tips below to find out how to keep your pets safe.
Chocolate toxicity: Most of us know that chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats, so chocolate and chocolate-containing foods and beverages should never be offered to pets. The likelihood of toxicity depends on the amount as well as the type of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, with unsweetened baking chocolate being more toxic than milk chocolate: Milk Chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog.
Baking chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight. Two one-ounce squares of baker’s chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.
Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines which include theobromine. Signs of toxicity can develop as early as 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urinations, abnormal heart rate/rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and even death. Animals with a history of heart disease or seizures may be at increased risk for signs. The high sugar content and fats contained in chocolate can also cause digestive upset and possible pancreatitis. If your pet has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian. While chocolate toxicity is perhaps the most commonly thought of potential danger for pets around Valentine’s Day, there are several other potential dangers to keep in mind:
Foil, cellophane wrappers, ribbons and balloons: These items can cause digestive upset and potential obstruction of the digestive tract if swallowed. Make sure these items are disposed of properly.
Macadamia Nuts: Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and increased body temperature and can progress to incoordination. Pale gums, muscle tremors, abdominal pain and joint stiffness may also be noted. Symptoms from the ingestion of macadamia nuts usually start within several hours of ingestion.
Xylitol: Xylitol is a sweetener used in gum, candy, baked goods. Xylitol causes the release of insulin and can result in a rapid decrease in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of hypoglycemia include lethargy, depression, incoordination and even
seizures. Signs can develop rapidly, within 30 minutes of ingestion.
Alcohol: Do not leave cocktails or other alcoholic beverages setting out. Pets are generally much smaller than humans, so a small amount of alcohol can do a lot of harm. Consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression,
respiratory difficulty, coma and death.
Flowers: Roses are a common gift for Valentines Day. Thorns from roses can puncture a pet’s paws if stepped on and can cause damage to the digestive tract if swallowed. The lily is another common flower found this time of the year. All parts of the plant are toxic to a cat’s kidneys. Clinical signs include anorexia, depression and lack of urine production. Ingestion of
lilies by cats (and perhaps by dogs) should be considered a medical emergency because the resultant acute kidney failure
carries a high mortality rate.
Unattended candles: Candles can add a romantic touch to Valentines Day, but a curious pet can burn them selves or cause a fire if a candle is knocked over. Never leave lighted candles unattended.
Pets as Gifts: We enjoy giving gifts to our friends and loved ones on special occasions. But choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always have a happy ending. It is important to remember that acquiring a pet involves a long term commitment. The intended recipient must really want a pet and be willing and able to provide ample time for play and exercise. They must also have the financial means to provide high quality food, supplies and regular veterinary care.
Brought to you by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association
