Valentine’s Day Pet Safety: A Neurology Perspective
February 10, 2026 · Pet Safety
Valentine’s Day is filled with sweet traditions: chocolate, flowers, candles, gifts, and special celebrations with loved ones. While these moments are meaningful for us, many common Valentine’s Day items can pose serious risks to pets. For animals with neurologic conditions, such as epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), brain tumors, or mobility challenges, these risks can be even greater.
At SCAN, we often see preventable emergencies around holidays. With a little planning and awareness, you can help ensure Valentine’s Day is safe, calm, and enjoyable for everyone in your household, pets included.
Chocolate and Sweet Treats: A Serious Seizure Risk
Chocolate is one of the most well-known pet toxins, but it remains a common cause of emergency visits during Valentine’s Day. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures.
For pets with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, even small amounts of chocolate may lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures.
In addition, many sugar-free candies and baked goods contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
Safety tip: Keep all chocolates, candies, and baked goods securely out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Flowers and Plants: More Than Just a Pretty Gift
Valentine’s bouquets brighten our homes, but several popular flowers can be dangerous to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, while tulips, daffodils, and rose thorns can also cause injury or illness.
Vomiting, dehydration, or toxin exposure can worsen neurologic symptoms and may interfere with seizure medications.
Safety tip: Place flowers where pets cannot access them, clean up fallen petals promptly, and consider choosing pet-safe plants whenever possible.
Candles and Open Flames: A Hidden Hazard
Candles help set a romantic mood, but they can be risky, especially for pets with balance problems, weakness, vision loss, or impaired coordination due to neurologic disease.
An unsteady pet may accidentally knock over a candle, leading to burns or even house fires.
Safety tip: Opt for flameless LED candles and never leave open flames unattended around pets.
Medications and Gifts: Watch What’s Within Reach
Valentine’s Day gifts may include medications, supplements, or personal items left within a pet’s reach. Many human medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and sleep aids, can cause severe neurologic side effects in pets, such as sedation, tremors, or seizures.
Safety tip: Store all medications securely, avoid leaving purses or gift bags on the floor, and never give your pet human medications unless directed by a veterinarian.
Decorations, Wrappings, and Toys: Not All Fun Is Safe
Ribbons, string, balloons, and cellophane may seem harmless, but they can cause choking or dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed. For pets with neurologic disease, emergency anesthesia or surgery can carry additional risks.
Safety tip: Dispose of wrapping materials promptly, supervise pets with new toys, and avoid items with long strings or elastic components.
Changes in Routine and Holiday Excitement
Guests, travel, and changes to daily schedules are common around holidays. While exciting, these disruptions can increase stress for pets.
Stress, sleep disruption, and missed medications are well-known seizure triggers and can also exacerbate pain or weakness in neurologic patients.
Safety tip: Maintain consistent feeding and medication schedules, provide a quiet retreat for your pet, and use calming aids only if approved by your veterinarian.
When to Contact Your Veterinary Neurology Team
Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet:
Experiences a seizure or cluster of seizures
Shows sudden weakness, pain, or difficulty walking
Ingests chocolate, medications, or unfamiliar items
Appears disoriented, lethargic, or behaviorally abnormal
Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love, and that includes keeping our pets safe. With a few precautions, you can protect your pet’s neurologic health and enjoy a worry-free holiday together.
Happy Valentine’s Day from SCAN!
