11 February 2024 , 12:04
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We all love indulging in chocolate on Valentine's Day - but it could be deadly for your dog.
Valentine's Day is almost upon us, and many of us will be hoping to get a box of chocolates or a bouquet from our special someone. But if you've got a pet dog, you should be careful about the treats you bring into your home this Valentine's Day, as you could be putting your pooch's health at risk if they come into contact with them.
The Blue Cross has issued an urgent warning to dog owners to take extra care this February 14th. While most of us are aware of the danger chocolate can pose, many other sweet treats can also be harmful to dogs.
Dogs are notoriously bad with chocolate due to the confectionary containing theobromine, a substance that dogs can't metabolise. Theobromine is found in cocoa powder, so dark chocolate is the most dangerous form of chocolate to dogs as it has the highest levels of cocoa powder. White chocolate, therefore, is "not a risk" according to the Blue Cross, however, it isn't a "good treat" because it's full of fat and sugar.
Other sweets can be just as harmful for a different reason, as many of them have xylitol in them, which is a popular sugar alternative that is also dangerous for our four-legged friends. Xylitol can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can cause a dog to collapse, which may result in death. Because of this, vets recommend you keep any bowls of confectionary in places that dogs would find hard to reach so that your pooch doesn't end up with a medical emergency.
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The Blue Cross revealed: "If you suspect that your dog has eaten something containing xylitol, you need to get them to the vets straight away as it can be absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly.
"If a drop in blood sugar levels is prevented or brought under control quickly, the prognosis is good. Delays in veterinary intervention can cause further complications, irreversible damage and increase the likelihood of xylitol poisoning becoming fatal. Ensure that, wherever possible, you take the packaging of the product that your dog has consumed to the vet."
While chocolate and other sweets are the most likely Valentine's Day foods your dog should avoid, the Blue Cross also states there are several other items your dog should never eat - including grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, and raw bread dough.
And if you're a cat owner this Valentine's Day, you should also be wary about any flowers you might receive. While roses are the most common flowers bought at this time of year, if your significant other gets you a bouquet with lilies in, you should keep them far away from your cat.
The Blue Cross states lilies are one of the most toxic plants for cats as all parts of the plant are highly poisonous and can lead to kidney failure. They posted on their website: "In severe cases, it can sadly be fatal. If you think your cat has been in contact with lilies or you see lily pollen on their fur, contact your vet immediately, as early treatment can improve their outlook."
Lilies are not poisonous to dogs, however, pooches should be kept away from plants including tulips, bluebells, hyacinths, foxgloves, and crocuses.