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Whether we admit it or not, most people enjoy a bit of Valentine’s Day romance. It’s fun to spoil your sweetheart every day, but even more so when you have license to indulge in sentimentality courtesy of St Valentine. This year, remember that Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans. Why shouldn’t man’s best friend know how much you love him?
 
“In Valentine’s Day, it’s important to remember, that some plants and foods are fatal to pets and must be kept out of paws reach,” says Johannesburg SPCA CEO Dirk Van Niekerk. Evidently veterinarians generally note a rise in such cases around February 14, many involving chocolate and lilies, a flower that’s potentially fatal to cats. “So please remember not to leave your Valentine’s gifts and flower deliveries lying around where your pets can get hold of them.” Here are some tips to a pet-friendly Valentine’s Day form the expert team at the Johannesburg SPCA:
 
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“Order a pet-friendly bouquet,” says JPSCA veterinarian Dr Suleyman. 
”Many pet owners are unaware that all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. When sending flowers specify that the arrangement contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat—and on receipt, remove any harmful flora.” It’s also a great way to impress the apple of your eye by demonstrating that you care for his or her pet and shows impressive attention to detail. “Should your pet begin to show symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, some harmful plant or flower may have been ingested,” says Dr Suleyman
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De-thorn your roses away from your pets and don’t let pets go near any thorned flowers. Biting, swallowing or standing on thorns can lead to punctures which are prone to infection
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The JSPCA reminds the community of this danger at Christmas time too, but remember that chocolate is potentially life threatening to your pets. “This includes cooking, semi sweet, milk and dark chocolate, so it’s important to always put chocolate away.” Dark chocolate includes caffeine-like stimulants that have an effect on gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and increased heart rate, while the high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas
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Exercise caution when serving alcoholic drinks. “Never let your pet lap up spilt cocktails, wine or champagne,” says Dirk van Niekerk. “Animals are so much smaller than humans, so we need to remind ourselves how much harm a small amount of alcohol can do your pet. Consumption of alcohol could result in your pet experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, anxiety, depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma.”
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Similarly, products sweetened with Xylitol, such as chewing gum, and sugar free sweets can cause your pet to experience an unexpected drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. “This can result in the animal suffering depression, loss of coordination and seizures,” Dr Suleyman
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The ambience of a fireplace or candlelight is so romantic, but your pet will appreciate you extinguishing any flames before leaving the room. “Curious cats and investigative dogs are quick to stick their noses into something that looks interesting to them, and they could get badly burnt or knock a candle-stick over causing a fire in your home,” says Dirk.
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Dispose of wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons and plastic after opening your gifts, to avoid you’re pets chewing on them and possibly choking 


 
Don’t buy your partner a pet. “While a cuddly kitten or puppy could melt someone’s heart, it’s really not an appropriate Valentine’s gift,” says Dirk. “Often the novelty wears off and then the long-term commitments of responsible pet ownership become problematic or challenging for the owner. It can also be awkward if the recipient doesn’t like the pet that you have chosen for them.” if you are absolutely certain that your darling wants’ to get a pet and is aware of the lasting implications, then rather arrange a gift certificate for them to adopt a pet from the Johannesburg SPCA and plan a trip to the kennels together. Alternatively, it’s a lovely gesture to sponsor a kennel at the JSPCA on your love’s behalf, and their name will be featured on the kennel. The sponsorship can also be in memory of deceased loved ones or pets. |
