Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and puppy love is undoubtedly in the air! While we're excited to see pet parents include their fur babies in their love-filled holiday traditions with treats, toys and all things red and pink, we must also warn against common Valentine objects that are toxic to pets. Continue reading to get educated on Dr. Z's top 4 Valentine's Day toxicities and what to do if your pet falls lovesick!
1. Chocolate
This comes to no surprise - chocolate is one of the most widely known toxicities to pets. Couple this fact with chocolate also being the most common Valentine's Day gift to be given and received, and we've got a dilemma in our paws!
The two components of chocolate that cause harm in pets are theobromine and caffeine. The amount of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate actually varies based on the type of chocolate ingested. For example, white chocolate is not typically as damaging as milk chocolate, and milk chocolate is not as damaging as dark chocolate. This is because the amount of natural coco tends to be much less in white chocolate than its milk and dark chocolate counterparts. A general rule of thumb in regards to chocolate ingestion:
The darker the chocolate, the more severe the toxicity, and the more is ingested, the worse the outcome.
While some veterinarians suggest that clinical signs of toxicity may be seen when 100 mg of chocolate per 1 kg of pet's body weight is consumed; however, there have been many reports of harm resulting from much less than this amount, as well. The best thing to do is to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your pet has eaten any amount of chocolate.
The ingestion of chocolate by pets is often linked to clinical symptoms affecting the central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal system (GI) and cardiovascular system (cardiac). CNS signs include tremors, rigidity, lack of muscle coordination and seizures. GI signs include vomiting, diarrhea and bloat. Cardiac effects may include arrhythmias, excess panting and either increased or decreased heart rate.
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, or if you observe any of these clinical symptoms of chocolate toxicosis, bring your pet to the veterinarian right away. Your pet will likely need to undergo certain diagnostics, such as a neurological exam and/or blood work, so that your veterinarian may further assess the extent of poisoning that your pet is going through. Treatment at the hospital may include induction of emesis and supportive care with intravenous fluid therapy and additional medications. Your veterinary team may also ask to keep your pet hospitalized for a few hours so that they can closely monitor them.
If you do receive chocolate for Valentine's Day, make sure that it is out of reach from your pets at all times!
2. Lilies
Roses are red, violets are blue.
Lilies are safe? We say, "not true!"
Lilies are a common favorite among lovers and friends, simply because they are beautiful and can brighten any room. Unfortunately, lilies pose a huge threat to households with fur babies due to the flower's toxic relationship with pets.
While the exact part of lilies that is toxic to pets is unknown, we do know that lilies belonging to the families Lilium and Hemerocallis are the riskiest to pets. If you are unsure if your lilies belong to either of these families, it is best to avoid them altogether.
If your pet ingests any part of a lily, clinical signs are typically related to nephrotoxicity - that is, relating to the kidneys. This is especially true in our feline friends. Acute renal failure can be characterized by excess salivation, vomiting, reluctance to eat, lethargy, and an increase in drinking and urination.
Bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect any part of a lily has been ingested, or if any of these clinical symptoms are observed and you have lilies nearby. At the veterinary hospital, your vet will recommend blood work and urine testing to see the severity of the toxicity, and your pet will need fluid therapy, as well as medications and close monitoring. Induction of emesis will also be likely.
While lilies are a beautiful flower to receive for Valentine's Day, it is best to refrain from taking these home. Also be especially mindful when gifting these flowers to loved ones with pets!
3. Xylitol
What do peanut butter, gum and candy all have in common? You got it - they all contain xylitol!
Xylitol is a commonly used sugar substitute found in products that are labeled "sugar-free." While this may be a beneficial alternative for some people, xylitol is highly harmful to pets. Ingestion of this substance causes the pancreas to release a high amount of insulin into the bloodstream. The increase of insulin in the bloodstream causes rapid hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Additionally, xylitol can also harm the liver.
Consumption of xylitol is often followed by vomiting, lethargy, seizures, lack of muscle coordination, yellow gums or eyes (icterus), and even coma.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, and/or you suspect your pet may have eaten something that contains xylitol, go to the veterinarian right away, taking note of how much xylitol you think your pet ingested. Treatment typically includes the induction of emesis, supportive care with fluid therapy and dextrose, and close monitoring of the liver and blood glucose levels.
Always check the list of ingredients on the labels of the products that you give to your pets, and make sure that xylitol is not included.
4. Essential oils
This potentially toxic item is often overlooked by pet parents, but is a very common gift on Valentine's Day. While we may like to indulge in the occasional stress relief that essential oils can bring to us, essential oils may actually be harmful to our pets. Lavender, peppermint, rosemary and melaleuca oils are among the most common essential oils that are gifted to us despite posing a threat to pets.
In their concentrated forms, non-diluted essential oils may cause toxicosis when ingested, or even applied topically onto the skin of pets. The extent of damage can vary from pet to pet; that is, some pets may suffer from severe reactions while others may show no signs of irritation at all. Clinical symptoms of poisoning from essential oils include, but are not limited to, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, skin irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty walking and respiratory distress.
Treatment at the veterinarian's office includes close monitoring and symptomatic care. Make sure to always dilute concentrated forms of essential oils, and to keep them out of reach of pets.
Valentine's Day is a happily celebrated holiday among pet owners. We adore our pets, so of course we'd want to spoil them with Valentine love! While you indulge in romantic poems and lovey-dovey treats, just remember to keep your pets safe from common holiday toxins. Instead, consider gifting your Pawlentine healthy treats, such as our Probiotics for dogs and cats. After all, prevention is the key to your pet's heart!