Pet owners are urged to be careful in their choice of Valentine’s Day Gifts and GoCompare Pet Insurance offers tips on how to pet-proof your romantic day.
GoCompare is urging UK dog owners not to put their dogs’ health at risk during festive occasions because they do not realise that chocolates and toxic plants can be hazardous for their pooches. A recent survey by GoCompare pet insurance found that just 68% of dog owners knew that chocolates were dangerous to pets.*
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be toxic for both cats and dogs. Their digestive systems cannot break it down and the effects of chocolate poisoning can depend on the amount and type of chocolate eaten, as well as the size and breed of the pet.
The signs that your cat or dog could have eaten chocolate include vomiting, which can sometimes include blood or breathing heavily and rapidly. They could also be suffering from an increased heart rate, showing signs of restlessness, or have diarrhoea. It should be noted that these symptoms can occur any time from 4 to 24 hours after consumption.
But here is a good tip: If you want to show love to your pet pooch this Valentine’s Day, why not give them a safer alternative like Carob “chocolate” for them to try out.
Flowers and Plants
When picking out a bouquet to give to a loved one, you should always consider how it could affect your pet’s health. Lilys, Tulips, Foxgloves, Hyacinths and Carnations are all very toxic to pets and if consumed can be dangerous. Roses, being a popular choice this time of year, should also be considered a hazard, as their thorns can puncture paw pads or stomachs if ingested.
Different flower varieties will have different effects on pets, however, it is important to be aware of the common symptoms to look out for such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy/weakness, loss of appetite, seizures / muscle tremors and bleeding due to abrasions/punctures from ingesting thorns.
Another tip: If your dog happens to eat something toxic, seeking veterinary advice is vital to helping your pets long term health and wellbeing. Having pet insurance can help give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to pay for any treatments needed should the worse happen.
Hannah Isitt, pet expert at GoCompare said, “Valentine’s Day is all about food, romance and thinking of your loved ones. If you want to show your love to your pet during this special occasion, it’s better to celebrate safely and ensure that dangerous items are kept out of paws reach.
“It’s worrying that only two-thirds of dog owners knew that chocolates were dangerous to dogs – it does make you wonder whether the other 32% think it’s ok for a dog to consume chocolate.
“There are so many alternatives to treat your pets, not just with food but also with accessories like dog collars or bedding. If your pet does consume anything they shouldn’t, there are many ways to get in touch with your vet and some services even provide out of hour care.
For more information on how pet insurance can help you with emergencies and other circumstances, visit our guides page; https://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/guide/
