Valentine’s Day Pet Safety Tips: Each year our poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies, a flower that’s potentially fatal to cats. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach!

Pet-Safe Bouquets

When sending a floral arrangement to someone with a cat, specify that it contain no lilies—and when receiving an arrangement, sift through and remove all dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, he may have ingested an offending flower or plant. Use our online toxic and nontoxic plant libraries as visual guides of what shouldn’t be in your bouquets.

Forbidden Chocolate

Seasoned pet lovers know that all types of chocolate are potentially life-threatening when ingested by pets. Methylxanthines are caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find.

Careful with Cocktails

Spilled wine, a half a glass of champagne or some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large amount is ingested.

Life Is Sweet

So don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can result in hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar). This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny-stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.

Playing with Fire

It’s nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.

Wrap It Up

Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened—if swallowed, these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke or vomit.

The Furry Gift of Life?

Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentine’s Day gift—however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out right. Check your local animal care shelter or take a romantic trip to the shelter together.

In conclusion, visit Kissimmee Valley Feed for more Valentine’s Day Pet Safety Tips (and gifts!)

How a Proper Diet Can Benefit Your Dog’s Sensitive Skin & Coat: Just like us, your pet’s skin and coat serve to protect them. Different irritants can affect your dog’s coating as seasons change turning it from vibrant, shiny, and soft to dull and dry. While the cooler months bring dry weather, the warmer months bring allergies and notorious heat. For you, that might mean taking an allergy pill, but it’s not the same for your dog.

One thing is inevitable: keeping your dog’s protective barrier strong and top of mind is essential for their health and happiness. With the proper diet, they can protect themselves all year round, and you can feel more at ease.

Meet Your Dog’s Skin Needs

An important factor in the health of your dog’s skin and coat is their diet. Alongside a regular visit to the groomers, checking for ticks, and regular brushing, feeding them the right nutrients will benefit their skin and coat.

Here are a few specific things to look out for in the nutrition label.

• Animal-based protein should be the number one ingredient.
• The proper balance of Omega-6 & Omega-3 fatty acids are integral for skin and coat health. It also helps reduce inflammation.
• If your dog has a confirmed allergy to an ingredient such as chicken, corn, wheat or soy, look for a diet without those ingredients.

Factors that can affect your dog’s sensitive skin occur all year long. But, with the right recipe, your pet’s skin can protect them through all elements.

If you are consider switching your dog’s food, consult your veterinarian with any questions.

In conclusion, for more tips on How a Proper Diet Can Benefit Your Dog’s Sensitive Skin & Coat, visit Kissimmee Valley Feed. Check out our Pet Selection here.

Article Source: Nutrena’s Blog