Valentine’s Day is a festive time filled with thoughtful gestures, sweet treats, and vibrant bouquets, but it can also bring unexpected hazards for our furry friends. That’s why practicing Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets is essential. According to veterinary experts, the most common holiday-related pet emergencies involve chocolate ingestion, which can lead to cardiac complications, seizures, or worse. Additionally, sugar-free candies containing xylitol pose a significant risk, causing a sudden drop in blood sugar that may quickly become life-threatening. Flowers, especially lilies, are another hidden danger, as cats can suffer kidney failure from nibbling on these toxic plants. Pet owners should also watch out for gift ribbons and wrappings that could lead to choking or digestive blockages if swallowed. By staying mindful of the hazards, you can ensure your Valentine’s Day celebrations remain safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for both you and your beloved companion. With proper precaution, everyone wins.

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast. This sweet lovers’ holiday is a welcome bright spot in the middle of winter. Many people also choose to share their celebrations with their pets, typically either by getting them special treats or new toys, or perhaps simply taking cute photos of them with some holiday trappings. We love seeing adorable pictures of our patients! However, like any other holiday, Valentine’s Day presents some specific risks and dangers to our furry friends. A local vet offers some advice on Valentine’s Day pet safety in this article.

Don’t Give Pets Chocolate

Chocolate typically makes the top spot in the list of dangers, and it isn’t hard to see why. Don’t get us wrong: we love chocolate as much as anyone else. However, it’s never safe for pets.

The culprit here is a substance called theobromine. It’s harmless to humans. Pets can’t metabolize it properly, though. It doesn’t take very much to cause serious problems, either. In fact, it only takes about one ounce per pound of a pet’s body weight to comprise a fatal dose.

While no chocolate is safe, some are worse than others. Theobromine is present in cacao, so the most dangerous chocolates are the ones with the highest percentage of cocoa. Dark chocolate is the worst in this regard, though milk and white chocolates are also unsafe.

Symptoms of chocolate ingestion in dogs and cats include the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased Urination
• Excessive Thirst
• Restlessness
• Fast Breathing
• Elevated Heart Rate
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Fever
• Coma

These things can be signs of a variety of health issues, all of which require veterinary care. Contact your vet or a pet poison control center immediately if you know or suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate or any other toxic substance.

Keep Candies Out Of Paw’s Reach

Candies are a big part of those sweet celebrations. It’s probably safe to say that those little candy hearts with the cute messages aren’t going away anytime soon. Just keep that candy bowl in a spot your pet can’t get to.

There are a few hazards here. We’ve already addressed chocolate above. That isn’t the only concern. Anything small is a potential choking hazard. Many of those little candy pieces are the right size to choke a playful pet.

On top of that, many sweets are made with xylitol, which is toxic to our animal companions. Sugar isn’t exactly great for Fluffy and Fido, either. Some of those smaller candies may also contain nuts. Some nuts, such as macadamia, are poisonous to pets. Plastic wrappers can also be dangerous: plastic is not only a huge choking risk, but it can also cause internal issues if swallowed. Keeping these Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets in mind can help protect your furry friends during celebrations.

No Bouquets For The Furry Ones

Flowers usually aren’t going to be the biggest worry when it comes to keeping your pet safe, but there are definitely some concerns. While many flowers are safe, there are a few that are extremely toxic.

Lilies are the biggest concern here for cats. Fluffy doesn’t have to ingest much to get very sick. Even taking a few nibbles of a leaf or having a sip of the water is enough to cause severe—and potentially fatal—organ damage in kitties.

Here are a few other poisonous plants and flowers:

• Tulips
• Amaryllis
• Autumn Crocus
• Cyclamen
• Lily
• Aloe
• Oleander
• Dieffenbachia
• Widow’s-Thrill
• Sago Palm
• Daffodils
• Rhododendron
• Hyacinth
• Narcissus (Daffodils)
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Bird Of Paradise
• Foxglove
• Philodendron

The ASPCA has a much more extensive list of both safe and unsafe plants here. Keep in mind that even plants that are usually safe can become toxic if treated with chemicals. Small decorations are another concern. Finally, even nontoxic vines, leaves, and thorns can be choking hazards. Pets—particularly cats—can also injure themselves by pulling heavy plants down onto themselves.

Play it safe and keep that bouquet away from your pet!

Be Careful With Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are a very popular gift from Cupid. The stores tend to fill up with cute teddy bears and other trappings at this time of year. There are a few possible pitfalls for pet owners here as well.

If you have a dog, you may have noticed that our canine companions are often very, very interested in plushies. There is a reason for this: they remind Fido of the small critters he would hunt in the wild. Unfortunately, many plushies are actually quite dangerous for dogs.

One issue is the stuffing. It’s not safe or meant for pets to eat, and can choke Fido or cause intestinal blockages. On top of that, many stuffed animals have small pieces, such as plastic eyes or buttons, which are choking hazards. Ribbons are another concern.

Don’t Share The Wine

Candlelit dinners are a Valentine’s Day staple for many couples, and wine is a natural fit for the menu. Just don’t let your furry pal imbibe. Even small amounts of alcohol can make your pet very sick!

Don’t Play With Fire

Speaking of candles, that’s another thing to be cautious of. Candles should always be kept in high, secure spots, well away from curious paws and noses. It’s also very easy for Fido to smack one over with a happy tail wag, or for Fluffy to accidentally stick her tail into a flame.

You’ll also need to take some precautions if you have a fireplace. Use a grate to make sure your pet can’t get too close or worse, accidentally fall in. Following Valentine’s Day safety tips for pets can help prevent accidents and keep your furry friends safe during celebrations.

Cards Need A Second Glance

Cards are probably the least concerning item on the list. However, keep in mind that the ones that make noise or light up contain small batteries, which are definitely not something that you would want your pet to eat! If you are getting fun cards that are a bit extra in that way, display them in safe spots, where your pet can’t reach.

Don’t Forget The Fix

Valentine’s Day is not just to celebrate our romantic partners, but also our families and loved ones. However, the romantic element makes this the perfect time to talk about the importance of getting your furry best friend fixed. There’s nothing romantic about pet overpopulation, or the fact that animal shelters struggle to keep up with the numbers of puppies and kittens going through their doors.

There are also behavioral benefits. Pets that have been fixed tend to be both calmer and sweeter than intact ones. Your four-legged friend will also be much less interested in running off looking for love. (Bonus: you’ll be spared the sound of your pet’s amorous love songs. Apparently, other cats find the sound of Fluffy’s caterwauling appealing. It’s not exactly music to human ears.)

If you haven’t scheduled this appointment yet, we recommend you do that as soon as possible. Contact your vet today!

Conclusion: Valentine’s Day is a fun and sweet holiday, but there are some things for pet owners to be concerned about. Chocolate, for example, is very toxic to pets. Other concerns include bouquets, candles, stuffed animals, wine, candies, and even cards. Just take a few precautions to keep your animal companion out of harm’s way.

2025 Valentine’s Day Safety Tips for Pets

How can I safely display flowers while keeping pets away from them?

Flowers can be displayed safely by choosing nontoxic varieties, such as roses or gerberas. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and even a small nibble can cause severe harm. Place arrangements out of paw’s reach, perhaps on high shelves or in inaccessible rooms. Use stable vases to prevent tipping. Discard dropped petals before curious companions find them. Keep water free from pesticides or additives. Avoid setting bouquets near windowsills or furniture that pets can climb. Monitor the area for signs of interest, and consult a vet if accidental ingestion occurs.

What are safer alternatives to traditional Valentine’s gifts?

Consider dog biscuits or cat treats made with vet-approved ingredients, as they won’t expose pets to harmful chocolate or xylitol. A plush toy specifically designed for animals avoids choking hazards, while artificial flowers or non-toxic blooms prevent poisoning from lilies or tulips. Instead of live flames, opt for flameless candles to reduce risks of accidental burns or tail-singeing. Decorative pet attire or a cozy new bed can also serve as a thoughtful gift without endangering furry friends. Simple, pet-safe tokens ensure a stress-free, hazard-free celebration that everyone can enjoy throughout the holiday.

How should I organize my home to minimize Valentine’s Day risks?

Store chocolate and candy in closed cabinets, since theobromine and xylitol pose hazards. Display floral arrangements beyond paw’s reach, focusing on nontoxic varieties rather than lilies. Shield open flames with sturdy screens, and supervise pets near candles or fireplaces. Discard or secure plastic wrappers, ribbons, and any small components on plush gifts. Ensure cards that make noise or light up remain inaccessible to prevent battery ingestion. Restrict access to alcoholic beverages, as even small amounts can be harmful. Spaying or neutering helps reduce unwanted behaviors and roaming tendencies associated with mating drives. Offer pet-safe treats or toys instead of human foods.

How dangerous are different types of chocolate relative to each other?

Dark chocolate presents the highest threat due to its elevated levels of theobromine. Milk chocolate, with lower cocoa content, still poses significant risk if eaten in large amounts. White chocolate contains minimal cocoa, making it less concerning, yet it still holds traces of theobromine that can be harmful. Even small quantities—around an ounce per pound of a pet’s body weight—may trigger life-threatening symptoms. Vomiting, elevated heart rate, and seizures can occur quickly. Keeping all chocolate varieties beyond reach is the safest approach for protecting pets from toxic effects.

What training techniques (like teaching a ‘leave-it’ command) can help prevent pets from accessing dangerous items?

Teaching a consistent ‘leave-it’ or ‘drop-it’ command helps pets resist temptation when encountering off-limits items. Positive reinforcement, such as praising and rewarding correct responses, fosters an association between following commands and receiving treats. Combining this approach with regular, short practice sessions enhances pet understanding and reduces unwanted behaviors. Encouraging impulse control through simple tasks, like waiting patiently before meals or walks, builds discipline and further discourages pets from grabbing dangerous objects. When these techniques are reinforced daily, they create a safer environment and nurture a stronger bond between pets and those who care for them.

Make An Appointment At Our Pet Hospital

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you are looking for a great animal clinic in the area, go ahead and give us a call. As your local pet clinic, we are always happy to help!