Valentine’s Day treats for dogs
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, most of us can’t wait for another excuse to show our love and spoil our furry friends on this special ‘love’ day …. But beware, most Valentine’s Day treats – chocolate and candy – are for humans and could pose potential health risk for pets.
Thankfully, our loving pups don’t actually need fancy chocolate or flowers to be happy. Here are some ideas of things to do with your dog around Valentine’s Day:
In this article:
1. Take your dog on long walks
2. Teach them new tricks
3. Give extra cuddles and massage
4. The gift of dog-safe Valentine's Day treats
1. Take your dog on long walks
Nothing can be more fun and indulgent for you and your dog when you go on long walks together. Take your dog for a walk at their favorite park or walking route, letting them run and explore to their hearts content. There is no better way than to spend quality time with your dog
2. Teach them new tricks
All dogs love the stimulation of learning new tricks. Treats are a great way to provide mental stimulation via training while showing your dog some love in the process. Don’t forget to praise your furry friend a little extra this Valentine’s Day. Focusing on their positive actions creates a loving atmosphere for your dog.
3. Give extra cuddles and massage
Over this Valentine’s weekend, you have the perfect excuse to chill at home with your dog. While you are giving your pup some well deserved hugs and cuddles, why not also give your dog a loving massage? Massages are beneficial to dogs, just as they are for humans. Massages reduce stress and anxiety, increase circulation, decrease pain, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day activity.
4. The gift of dog-safe Valentine's Day treats
While chocolate is an absolute No-No for dogs. Chocolate is actually harmful and toxic to dogs. The toxic components in chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. But don’t fret! You can still show your love and spoil your pup with dog safe chocolate alternatives like Carob which contains no caffeine or theobromine, the stimulants that make real chocolate toxic. Carob is a natural, nutrient-rich plant that mimics the chocolate flavor and is available in carob chips, bars, or powder for making carob-based treats.
Shop Classic Chip Cookie with Carob Chips
If Carob is not your thing, there are plenty of other delicious, crunchy treats that come in Heart shapes that you can enjoy treating your dog, while staying totally on point with the Valentine’s ‘hearts everywhere’ vibe!
Article links and references:
https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/articles/valentines-day-treats-for-dogs
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/valentines-day-safety-tips-dog/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/doggie-valentines-day/