St. Valentine's Day Treats Not So Sweet for Pets

St. Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate those you love. This year, don’t forget to show your favorite four-legged friend that you care by keeping them safe. Popular St. Valentine’s Day treats for people can be harmful and even deadly to dogs and cats.

Lilies

Did you know that lilies are the second most frequently purchased flower for St. Valentine’s Day? Unfortunately, lilies are incredibly toxic to cats, and can be deadly. Plants from the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera, including Asiatic, Day, Tiger, Stargazer and Easter lilies, can cause poisoning. All parts of the lily are deadly, as is the water the flower is stored in.
Symptoms of lily poisoning include:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Tremors and seizures

Unless treated within the first 18 hours after ingestion, lily poisoning is often fatal. There is no direct antidote, but prompt and aggressive treatment to purge the toxins and replace lost fluids can help a cat survive. Lilies are so dangerous to cats that our veterinarians recommend that cat owners never bring lilies into their home.


Chocolate

Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of a chemical within chocolate called theobromine can cause illness or even death. Symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate

Darker chocolate contains greater amounts of theobromine and so the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to pets. Baking chocolate, used for cakes, cookies, frosting and other treats, is the most deadly. Immediate veterinary care is recommended for any dog that consumes chocolate. Chocolate is also toxic to cats, but they often will leave chocolate alone.


Xylitol

In addition to chocolate, candies containing xylitol, a sugar substitute, are toxic to dogs. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products, including candy, gum and baked goods as well as everyday items like toothpaste, vitamins and mouthwash. It rapidly releases insulin into a dog’s bloodstream which causes an extreme and deadly drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of coordination, weakness and seizures develop quickly, in as few as 10 to 15 minutes. Immediate veterinary care is required.


If you suspect that your pet has ingested lilies, chocolate, or an item containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately or a veterinary emergency center.