Valentine’s Day Foods That Could Make Your Dog Sick

Valentine’s Day is all about love, chocolates, and sweet surprises. It’s a time to celebrate romance, friendship, and all the special people in our lives—including our four-legged family members! But while we indulge in delicious treats, it’s important to remember that some Valentine’s goodies can be extremely dangerous for dogs.

Certain foods, flowers, and gifts that are perfectly safe for humans can be toxic to pets, leading to upset stomachs—or worse, serious health issues requiring emergency veterinary care.

If you’re a dog parent, don’t worry! You can still include your furry best friend in the Valentine’s fun—safely. In this guide, we’ll cover which Valentine’s treats you should keep far away from your dog, plus some dog-friendly ways to celebrate with your pup this holiday.

Dangerous Valentine’s Treats for Dogs

Before you share your Valentine’s chocolates or let your pup sniff your bouquet, make sure you keep these common Valentine’s treats far away from your dog:

1. Chocolate (One of the Biggest Dangers!)

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxins for dogs, and for good reason! It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, chocolate poisoning can even be fatal.

🚨 Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine, making them the most dangerous. But even milk chocolate can cause serious health problems.

💡 Safer Alternative: If you want to give your dog a sweet treat, look for dog-safe carob treats. Carob is a chocolate substitute that’s completely safe for dogs!

👉 What to do if your dog eats chocolate: Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. They can guide you on the next steps based on your dog’s size and the amount consumed.

2. Xylitol (A Hidden Danger in Sweets & Gum!)

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum, mints, candies, peanut butter, and even some baked goods. While it’s safe for humans, it’s incredibly dangerous for dogs.

Even a tiny amount of xylitol can cause:
✅ A dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
✅ Liver failure
✅ Seizures
✅ Death in severe cases

🚨 Warning: Some peanut butter brands now contain xylitol. Always check the ingredient list before giving peanut butter to your pup!

💡 Safer Alternative: If you want to give your dog a sweet snack, opt for plain, unsweetened peanut butter or dog-friendly treats made without artificial sweeteners.

👉 What to do if your dog eats xylitol: Call your vet or poison control immediately—this is an emergency!

3. Alcohol & Wine 

Celebrating with champagne, wine, or cocktails? Keep your drinks far away from your pup! Even a small amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, low blood sugar, and even organ damage.

Dogs are much smaller than humans, so even just a sip of alcohol can lead to serious health issues.

💡 Safer Alternative: If you want your dog to join in the fun, consider dog-friendly “wine” or “beer”—non-alcoholic beverages made specifically for pups using safe ingredients like bone broth or herbal infusions.

4. Certain Flowers & Bouquets 

Many Valentine’s bouquets contain flowers that are toxic to dogs. Some of the most dangerous include:

❌ Lilies (especially deadly for cats but also toxic to dogs)
❌ Tulips
❌ Daffodils
❌ Baby’s Breath

If your pup chews on a plant or flower, it could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or worse—organ damage.

🚨 What to do: If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic plant, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants or call your vet for immediate advice.

💡 Safer Alternative: Choose pet-friendly flowers such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers!

5. Rich, Fatty Foods & Desserts

Foods like:
❌ Cheesecake
❌ Buttered popcorn
❌ Bacon-wrapped appetizers
❌ Heavy cream desserts

…may be delicious for us, but they can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis in dogs.

🚨 Pancreatitis is a painful and serious condition that often requires emergency vet care!

💡 Safer Alternative: Treat your dog with plain cooked chicken or dog-safe peanut butter treats instead.

6. Small Toys, Decorations & Wrapping Ribbons 

Valentine’s stuffed animals, balloons, and ribbons may look like fun chew toys, but they can be choking hazards or cause serious intestinal blockages if swallowed. Keep small decorations out of reach!

Valentine’s gifts often include stuffed animals, balloons, ribbons, and small toys—all of which can be serious choking hazards for dogs. If swallowed, they can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery.

🚨 What to do if your dog swallows a small object: Contact your vet immediately, especially if your pup is showing signs of distress like vomiting or lack of appetite.

💡 Safer Alternative: Give your pup a new chew toy or a special Valentine’s Day-themed plush designed for dogs!

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Safely With Your Dog 

Instead of sharing human treats with your pup, try these dog-friendly ways to celebrate:

🐾 Make homemade dog treats – Try baking heart-shaped peanut butter cookies using dog-safe ingredients.
🐾 Plan a special walk or adventure – Take your pup on a new scenic route or to their favorite park.
🐾 Give them a new toy – A festive Valentine’s toy is a perfect way to include your dog in the fun.
🐾 Cuddle up for a dog-friendly movie night – Watch a classic dog movie together with some dog-safe snacks!

What you’ve just read is a sampling of blog posts we offer at Joyride Harness. We cover current events, informational posts, interviews, and more! You can find more content including tips and tricks and how-tos for caring for your dog on our blog at this section.