Dog owners urged to take special precautions next week

While Valentine’s Day is a day of romance and love for humans, it can pose numerous risks for our four-legged friends. Chocolates, romantic dinners, flowers and decorative gifts are staples of February 14, yet many of these popular Valentine’s treats can land dogs in the emergency vet.

Michael Nelson, canine expert at Kennel Store, says: “Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions where dogs are exposed to unfamiliar foods and objects all at once. People don’t realise how quickly a dropped chocolate, a chewed wrapper or a stolen dessert can turn into a vet visit. Prevention is far cheaper, and far less distressing, than treatment.”

• Grapes, raisins and currants, which can often be found in desserts and fruit gifts.
• Onions, garlic and chives, commonly used in cooked meals.
• Any alcohol, even just a small amount, can cause harm.
• Fatty or rich foods can trigger vomiting or pancreatitis.
• Sugar-free sweets, which may contain xylitol, a substance known to cause severe illness in dogs.

Even just a small amount dropped on the floor, or licked off a plate, can cause harm – especially to smaller dogs.

Food isn’t the only problem; there are plenty of gifts that can be risky for pets. This includes flowers, and especially tulips and daffodils, which can cause illness if chewed.

Scented candles, wax melts, essential oils, and diffusers should also be kept well out of reach of your dog, as they can be irritants at best and toxic at worst.

Alongside these, ribbons, wrapping and decorative packaging can cause choking or an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

When dogs ingest toxic foods or foreign objects, veterinary treatment is often unavoidable. In the UK, treatment for poisoning or obstruction commonly costs around £300 on average, with emergency or out-of-hours care increasing that figure depending on severity and timing.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison helpline straight away, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Michael’s tips for avoiding any Valentine’s vet runs: