Top Dos & Don'ts for Valentine's Day with Your Pet
Written by: Richard Rowlands
Valentine’s Day is a day when people celebrate their relationships with loved ones. And for many people, this includes their pets. Pets are a big part of our lives because they spread so much joy and happiness.
So, what can you do to celebrate this love-filled holiday with your furry family members? Keep reading for some ideas and a few precautions you can take to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy this Valentine’s Day.
Do give your pet plenty of love and attention on Valentine’s Day
There’s nothing more enjoyable for your pet than when you shower them with affection, and there’s no better day to do it than on Valentine’s Day. So, make time to give your pet plenty of attention on this special occasion.
You can help your furry friend feel important by engaging in some of their favorite activities. Whether it’s an extra-long walk, a special treat, or maybe even a massage, your pet will be thrilled by the extra attention they receive. According to research, you’ll benefit as well because pet owners who maintain strong bonds with their pets enjoy better overall well-being.
Do buy your pet some new toys or treats
Even though spending time with your pet is essential, you can’t ignore how fun it is to give them new toys or treats. So, if your budget allows, consider buying your furry friends some fun new gifts. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to splurge a little on items you wouldn’t usually buy! Just be sure to give safe, pet-friendly gifts that won't cause any harm.
Don't bring any hazardous plants or flowers into your home
Dangerous plants and flowers are everywhere, especially on Valentine’s Day. So, it’s important to make sure that your pet can’t get to any new flowers or plants as many of them are toxic. They could end up hurting your pet if they manage to chew on them, so be sure to keep them out of paws’ reach.
Better yet, skip the flowers and plants altogether and use the money you save to buy your pet something special. We’re sure your loved one will understand!
Don’t leave chocolates lying around where your pet can reach them
Chocolate is a big part of Valentine’s Day, but it can be dangerous to pets. This is because it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Even though dark chocolate may be healthier for humans, it’s even more dangerous to pets than other types of chocolate. Of course, you and your human partner can indulge in all the chocolates you want. Just be sure to put them out of your pet’s reach and never share.
Do arrange for pet care if you’ll be out for a while
If you’re planning something special for you and your partner – like a day at the spa or a special dinner at a nice restaurant – you may find yourself gone for an extended period. But it’s important that you don’t leave your pet home alone all day or without food at their scheduled mealtimes.
Many animals can become bored easily if left unattended for too long. And if they’re not fed at their regular time, they may go looking for their food. Both these situations can result in pets getting into things they shouldn’t, so it’s best to make arrangements for your pet to be taken care of if you won’t be around to do it yourself.
Don't ignore your pet, no matter how busy you may be
Valentine’s Day can be a bit stressful when we’re really caught up in making it a special day for our partner. However, pets need attention, too and ignoring them for the sake of Valentine’s Day just isn’t fair. If you’re planning an evening at home, take a break from the festivities to pet your furry friend and give them some love.
If you’re heading out for the evening, get that quality time in before you go. In both cases, it’s not about spending hours and hours with them, though we’re sure they’d love that too! With a bit of attention, they’ll be able to sense that you're thinking of them, and they'll feel special and at ease.
Do think about whether your pet can come along with you or not
Sometimes Valentine’s Day outings are pet-friendly, and fur babies can join in. However, other times not so much. It’s important to think about what you’ll be doing and how enjoyable that will be for everyone going – including your pet. For example, if you’re planning to spend the day with your partner outdoors hiking and having a picnic, but you have a senior dog who can’t go for long stints, it may be best for them to stay home.
On the other hand, if you’re going to hang out at a pet-friendly cafe for lattes and macarons with your social and harness-trained cat, then that’ll be a good time. Just think it through beforehand. Valentine’s Day is not the time to be trying new things unless you’re ready to head home early. Remember, the health and safety of your pet must come first.
Don't forget why you got your pet in the first place
People get pets for various reasons, but the love and companionship we feel for them are universal. Pets provide us with a sense of comfort and security, and they’re always there to make us laugh or offer a sympathetic ear or snuggle. They’re loyal friends that are always happy to see us, no matter what kind of day we’ve had.
Our pets provide much-needed love and joy in a world that’s often filled with stress and negativity. For all these reasons and more, it’s easy to understand why we consider our pets to be such an important part of our lives. Valentine’s Day 2022 is the perfect day to celebrate that love and how important our pets are to us.
