This is the perfect time to splurge on a day at the pet spa, new pink and red toys, gourmet treats, or that heart shaped dog or cat bed your pet has been longing for. If the economy has you on a tight budget, then curl up on the couch with your cat and watch a movie or take a long ride in the car with your dog to the doggy park.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your pet safe and loved this Valentines Day:

Safe Floral Arrangements: It's best to keep ALL floral arrangements out of your pets reach. Lilies are deadly to cats so make sure when sending a bouquet to a friend with a feline to specify that it does not contain lilies. Roses and other thorny stemmed flowers can lead to serious infections if your pet bites, swallows or steps on them and they cause a puncture wound.

Chocolate and Cellophane: Valentine chocolates and candy sweetened with xylitol can result in life threatening dangers for your pet to include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death. Those sweets are often wrapped in plastic cellophane and are accompanied by balloons, ribbons and other decorations. If ingested by your pet, they can get lodged in their throat or digestive tract causing them to choke or vomit.

Cocktails and Candles: Wine, champagne and other liquors are often present on Valentines Day. Make sure to keep all alcoholic beverages away from you pets as they can lead to serious medical complications to include comas and respiratory failure. Never leave candles unattended when you own a pet as they can not only burn themselves, but knock them over and cause a fire.

Furry Gifts: Never give a cuddly pet as a gift. If the one you love is ready for a pet, then take a romantic trip together down to your local animal shelter and have them pick out the pet that is right for them. You can show your affection by picking up the tab.

Always keep a watchful eye on your furry companions and keep the name and number of your veterinarian and local animal emergency clinic in a convenient location.

Source: Houston SPCA