Valentine’s Day fills homes with boxes of chocolate, candy hearts, baked goods and sweet gifts. For dogs, many of these treats are hazards. Some are toxic even in small amounts, and dogs are skilled at finding candy left on coffee tables, in handbags and in gift bags. A little awareness goes a long way toward a safe holiday.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that dogs process much more slowly than people. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. In general, darker chocolate and baking chocolate contain more of these compounds than milk chocolate, so they are more dangerous. Cocoa powder is also concentrated. White chocolate contains very little theobromine but is still fatty and sugary. The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate and the size of the dog, which is why any chocolate ingestion is worth a call to your vet.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, mints, candies, baked goods and even some peanut butters and other foods. In dogs, xylitol can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and has been linked to liver damage. Signs can include vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, collapse and seizures, sometimes appearing quickly. Xylitol may also be listed under other names, such as birch sugar, so read labels carefully. Keep sugar-free products, including gum in purses and coat pockets, well out of reach.
Other Valentine’s risks
- Raisins and grapes, including chocolate-covered raisins, which can cause kidney problems in some dogs
- Macadamia nuts and other nuts in candy boxes
- Alcohol, including wine, cocktails and liqueur-filled chocolates
- Rich, fatty foods from special dinners, which can upset the stomach
- Wrappers, foil and ribbon, which can cause choking or blockages if swallowed
Prevention tips
Put candy boxes and baked goods on high shelves or in closed cabinets, not on low tables. Ask guests to keep bags and coats off the floor. Clean up wrappers right away. If you want to include your dog in the celebration, choose a treat made for dogs, or offer a safe, plain option your veterinarian has approved. Gifts that are not food, like a new toy or a walk somewhere special, are a nice way to celebrate without the risk.
If your dog eats something risky
Do not wait to see whether symptoms appear. Call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away. Have the packaging handy so you can tell them what was eaten, roughly how much and when. Do not try to induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional tells you to. This article is general information only, and your vet is the right person to decide what your dog needs. A little planning keeps Valentine’s sweet for everyone in the house.
