What are you going to give your furry four-legged Valentine? Lots of puppy love, of course, but your pup is going to be begging for some treats all day long. There’s no harm in giving a few extra treats on this special holiday, but remember there are some “treats” that should never be given to your dog, like chocolate.
While the “GOOD Treats” below are good for your dog, it’s actually even better to give your Valentine’s Day pup dog treats instead. Dog treats are formulated especially for your pup. Treats made of ingredients like wheat and rice, which can even help their digestive system.
GOOD Treats
Peanut butter A pet and pet parent favor, peanut butter is a good treat for your dog this Valentine’s Day. Peanut butter is great, high in protein and nutrients. It’s best to give your pet the least processed peanut butter, preferably organic, because oils and sugars used in highly processed peanut butter is not healthy for your dog. Just keep in mind, like pet parents, pets can be allergic to peanuts. If you have concerns about an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian.
Apple An apple a day keeps the doctor away (for the pet parent), but apples are a great Valentine’s Day treat too. Dogs love the crunchy, healthy snack. Apples are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a super healthy and delicious treat. When giving your dog apples, remember to take off the skin because it’s full of plant chemicals and never give your dog the core or seeds because the seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful.
Sweet Potato Sweet potato for your Valentine’s Day sweetie! Sweet potatoes are simple, healthy treats that are easy to get at the supermarket. They have lots of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Even better, you can slice and dehydrate these for a great chewy (super healthy) treat for your beloved furry Valentine.
Popcorn Time to snuggle up with your Valentine for some quality together time. Maybe even pop in your favorite doggie movie. Popcorn can be a fun, low calorie treat for your pet (and you!). Just remember, if you give your dog popcorn make sure it’s air popped, with NO butter and NO salt.
BAD Treats
Chocolate You should never, ever give your dog chocolate. It’s a great Valentine’s Day treat for pet parents only. Chocolate is toxic for pets and can make your dog extremely sick. If your Valentine’s Day pooch has gotten his paws on some of your Valentine’s Day chocolate, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Candy Other candies are usually not as toxic as chocolate, but they are still a bad treat. It’s high in sugar and other processed chemicals, which can be bad for pets and make them ill. If your Valentine’s pup has a sweet tooth, give him one of the “GOOD Treats” like apples or sweet potato, they won’t even know it’s not candy!
Bones You always hear “give your dog a bone” but this might actually be a bad treat (aside from the “bones” you buy at the pet store). Especially with holiday meals, it’s not a good idea to give your dog a meat bone. Your furry Valentine might fur-ociously devour the bone, but meat bones can splinter and puncture your pet’s stomach. Chicken and other poultry bones are especially dangerous because they are brittle and easily splinter.
Edible treats aren’t the only way to make this Valentine’s the best ever for your pup. There are a wide range of pet gifts and accessories perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any other time you want to show some love). Want your dog to have the chance to bask in romantic candlelight, but don’t want to leave hazardous candles out when you leave for your big date? LED technology has changed candlelight forever! Get that beautiful, true-to-life flicker, without the hazards of a flame, from enjoylighting.com!
Maybe your pet is jealous of the big, comfortable bed you share with your most beloved human, or maybe you don’t want them climbing in with you this Valentine’s Day. A beautiful bed of their own might just do the trick. Built with high quality wood and steel and fitted with eye-catching fabric designs, LazyBonezz beds come in singles or, for the space-conscious multi-dog parent, bunk-beds. Why not gift your pup a beautiful red bed for the holiday? It might very well be that missing element you need to tie the room together! Check them out at Amazon.com.
And if you’re expecting flowers for Valentine’s, or planning on sending them to a certain special pet parent, be careful! A number of flowers common in arrangements are dangerous for dogs and cats. Many lilies and tulip varieties can be poisonous, and be sure to keep anything with thorns (like the classic rose) out of reach. Thankfully, there are safe alternatives, including daisies, orchids, and violets. 1-800-Flowers.com offers some incredible dog-shaped (and dog-friendly!) arrangements, including the aptly-named “Lucky in Love!”
As always, be sure not to spill any Valentine’s cocktails where your pup can get to them, and don’t leave out any ribbons or other wrappings that might get swallowed. Last but not least, be sure to have a Valentine’s that love-filled, happy, and safe!
You don’t have to be alone this Valentine’s Day, and even if you’re not, there is always more room for puppy love! Adopt a pet this holiday at your local animal shelter.
For the Best the Pet Lifestyle and animal welfare has to offer follow Wendy Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, and right here at AnimalFair.com!
