Valentine's Day is just around the corner for loving couples, but animal experts are reminding pet owners to keep an eye out for a few items related to the big day. They are not suitable for our furry friends.
And it's not just chocolate that dogs are notorious for not liking because it contains theobromine, a substance that dogs cannot metabolize. Many other sweet treats also pose a risk.
That's because many of them contain another problematic chemical, xylitol, a popular sugar substitute that Blue Cross says can be harmful to dogs. I am.
Veterinarians recommend storing the bowl of sweets in a hard-to-reach place to prevent your puppy from getting into an emergency situation.
“Xylitol can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, so if you suspect your dog has eaten something containing xylitol, you should take them to your veterinarian right away,” Blue Cross says. revealed.
It's not just a sweet snack either. It may seem romantic to give your loved one a bouquet of flowers, but if your furry friend prefers lilies, keep that in mind.
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), these are harmful to cats and can also cause acute kidney failure.flat Drinking water from a vase can be fatal.
Elsewhere, candles are great for creating a romantic atmosphere, but be aware of the dangers they pose to animals.
Nell Ostermeyer, an integrative veterinarian at AKC Pet Insurance, told Rover that “wax, like any other foreign object dogs ingest, can cause gastrointestinal issues and even obstruction.”
“That's why it's important to keep candles out of your dog's reach, whether lit or not.”
However, even if you find your pet in a dangerous situation, all hope is not lost.
Australian veterinarian Dr Nicole, who runs Melbourne pet care company Shy Tiger, also shared a hack with her TikTok followers on how to assess the severity of the situation if your dog has eaten chocolate..
In a social media clip, she said: “Everyone would panic if their dog ate chocolate, but did you know that some types of chocolate are more toxic than others?”
“If it's white chocolate, relax.”
“It doesn't actually contain theobromine, which is the active ingredient we're concerned about.
“Search for 'Dog Toxicity Chocolate Calculator' on Google and it will tell you the amount to enter. If your dog has ingested a toxic amount above the threshold, the next thing you should do is call your emergency veterinarian. ”
