{"id":8569,"date":"2023-05-03T15:09:41","date_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:09:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=8569"},"modified":"2023-05-03T15:09:41","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:09:41","slug":"5-mothers-day-gift-dos-and-donts-for-pet-moms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/5-mothers-day-gift-dos-and-donts-for-pet-moms\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Mother\u2019s Day Gift Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts for Pet Moms"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested something toxic, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Mother\u2019s Day is when we take a moment to appreciate the moms in our lives. If she\u2019s a pet mom, you’ll want to choose a gift that won\u2019t end her day with a trip to the animal ER. So, before you select that box of chocolates or that beautiful bouquet, read our list of dos and don\u2019ts when it comes to these classic Mother\u2019s Day gifts.<\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

1. Flowers<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t <\/span><\/b>gift her a bouquet of <\/span>lilies<\/span><\/a>, tulips, daffodils, or any other type of flower or plant that is toxic to her pets. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Flowers that are toxic to both cats and dogs include tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemums, sago palm, azaleas, rhododendrons, and fox glove \u2013 just to name a few toxic no-no\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, <\/span>do <\/span><\/b>triple-check <\/span>ASPCA\u2019s Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant Guide<\/span><\/a> before purchasing any bouquets or a plant for Mom\u2019s <\/span>garden<\/span><\/a> to ensure you select a non-toxic option. Safer options include sunflowers, petunias, or moth orchids. Roses are also non-toxic, but the thorns can be hazardous to curious pets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

2. Chocolate & Coffee<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t <\/span><\/b>gift Mom <\/span>chocolate<\/span><\/a> (which contains theobromine and caffeine) or caffeine products \u2013 these are toxic to dogs and cats. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is! And if Mom loves coffee \u2013 this also means no coffee beans or ground coffee. Chocolate and caffeine increase a pet\u2019s blood pressure if consumed and can also cause cardiac arrythmias.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do <\/span><\/b>tell Mom if your gift is edible so she can keep it out of pets\u2019 reach. Better yet, skip the chocolate and coffee gifts for something that won\u2019t endanger the pets!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

3. Grapes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t <\/span><\/b>give a fruit bouquet that contains grapes<\/a>. Anything that contains grapes, raisins, Zante currants<\/a>, or sultanas \u2013 including fruitcake, baked goods, trail mix, jam, or salads \u2013 is toxic to pets and can potentially cause kidney failure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do <\/span><\/b>purchase a fruit arrangement that does not include grapes. Strawberries, bananas, and melon are much safer alternatives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

4. Xylitol<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t <\/span><\/b>give Mom anything containing <\/span>xylitol<\/span><\/a> \u2013 a sugarless sweetener often found in sugar-free baked goods, candy, gum, and other household items like dental hygiene products and even skincare products. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause severely low blood sugar, as well as liver damage and liver failure.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do<\/span><\/b> read ingredients labels carefully. If it contains xylitol, pass!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

5. Essential Oils<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t <\/span><\/b>give <\/span>essential oils<\/span><\/a> or diffusers. There are numerous essential oils that are toxic to pets (including Pennyroyal oil and tea tree oil) which have been linked to seizures and liver failure in pets. Other common essential oils that are toxic include wintergreen, pine oil, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus \u2013 just to name a few! Also, diffused scents can be very irritating to pets and can cause respiratory issues. Diffused scents can be especially dangerous for birds.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do<\/span><\/b> choose non-toxic essential oils if Mom is a big fan \u2013 but remind her not to diffuse them and to use them with caution in rooms where pets reside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mother's<\/p>\n

Keep these dos and don\u2019ts in mind as you search for the purrfect gift for the mom in your life. When in doubt, a gift certificate to her favorite store, restaurant, spa or even tickets to a local play, concert, or game are much safer ideas! You\u2019re welcome! <\/span>?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking for some pet-mom specific ideas? Search Etsy for \u201cDog Pet Mom\u201d or \u201cBearded Dragon Pet Mom\u201d – they have a lot of fun options for every type of pet mom including shirts, drinkware, photo frames, custom portraits, & more!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More Reading:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n