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Valentine’s Day can be a difficult day for some. For others, it’s just another day, while some of us use it as a reason to spoil those we love.
And since the day is all about those we love, why shouldn’t we use it as yet another excuse to spoil our tailmates rotten?
While originally meant for romance and love, in recent years, Valentine’s Day has taken on broader strokes and is now used to celebrate all forms of relationships, including our pets.
Here, we discuss spending Valentine’s with your cat or dog, some pet Valentine’s gifts, and some ways to celebrate your tailmate on this lovey-dovey day.
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Why spend Valentine’s Day with your tailmate?
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Some may think it’s odd, but we don’t. We get it: your tailmate is your best friend and a key part of your family - why wouldn’t you spend time with them? Our pets offer us so much support and unconditional love, so it’s a good idea to take time to celebrate your bond.
Plus, we’re sure your tailmate will enjoy anything you do together, which makes Valentine’s Day a lower-pressure thing.
Here’s why pets can be the best to hang out with on Valentine’s Day:
Easy entertainment - No arguments over where to go, what to watch or what to do - they’re always up for a basic walk and some treats.
Low expectations - Your tailmate just wants to spend time with you, and there’s no pressure to make a big deal out of things.
No pressure - Your pet doesn’t even know it’s Valentine’s Day, and while they know when they’re being celebrated, there’s no pressure to deliver.
They aren’t that fussy - Dogs will eat pretty much anything you give them, while you already know your cat’s tastes well.
You’ll both be happy - No matter what you choose, you’ll both have a good time together.
Five ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet
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A long walk to somewhere special
Honestly, you don’t need to overthink Valentine’s Day with your pets too much. A quiet walk somewhere you and your pet both know and love, or taking them somewhere extra special, like a longer hike, can be enough to make memories and celebrate your bond.
Baking homemade treats
Baking some homemade treats and settling in with some snacks of your own sounds like a good time to us. Need inspiration? You can find our favourite pet-safe baking recipes here.
Cosy film night
Your favourite film, a cosy spot on the couch and some time to relax - a comfy film night is an ideal way to spend Valentine’s with your best pet pal.
Home spa and grooming day
We know you’re grooming your pet regularly anyway, but an at-home spa and grooming day with you and your pet is a nice way for both of you to reflect, pause and unwind.
Just remember to praise and reward your pet during their grooming regime, and stop if they've had enough.
Buy them a new toy
You can use Valentine’s as an excuse to spoil your tailmate, too, so buying them a new toy or gift can make the day memorable for you both. Need gift ideas? Our Christmas shopping list for tailmates is useful year-round.
Valentine’s Day gifts for cats
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Catnip-filled hearts: Look for heart-shaped plushies or "love letter" envelopes stuffed with high-quality catnip or silvervine.
A new cat tree: Since we know cats often prefer the box to the gift, why not buy a new one or build a "castle" for them to reign over?
Window perches: Cats love windows! If your cat loves bird-watching, a suction-cup window bed is the ultimate "room with a view." Make sure it’s near a safe, sealed window, though.
Interactive teaser wands: Spend some extra time playing together with a new feather or ribbon wand.
Lickable treats: Special "tuna tubes" or creamy treats are a great way to have a "Valentine's dinner" together while you eat yours.
Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs
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Heart-shaped plush toys: Great for a Valentine's photo op and a cuddle.
Interactive puzzle feeders: A fun way to give them their favourite treats.
New walking gear: A red or pink collar or harness for your Valentine's Day stroll.
Personalised dog Valentine's gifts: Think custom bandanas or blankets with their name on them!
Can you bring your pet to a Valentine’s Day date?
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Of course. It’s worth checking if the place is pet-friendly first (and ManyPets Approved, our one-stop shop of pet-friendly bars, cafes and pubs, does just that).
Just make sure to keep the human foods away from them, and if your Valentine’s date isn’t a fan of having your pet in tow, well, take that as a red flag!
Some date ideas you can bring your pet along to include:
A long walk - exploring a new trail, beach or park with your pet and your Valentine’s date.
Dog park playdate - if your Valentine’s has a dog as well, then you can take them to a dog park for a playdate - just keep any interactions positive and well-supervised if your pets are only just getting to know each other.
Pet-friendly dining - this is your standard Valentine’s date, but go somewhere pet-friendly and bring your pet in tow!
Cosy night in - you could just opt for a cosy night in with your Valentine date and your pet, plus it’ll give you a good chance to introduce them to each other!
Essential safety: Valentine’s treats to avoid
Toxic flowers
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Carnations
While not as toxic as some other plants, carnations can cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested. This includes drooling, stomach upsets, and lethargy.
Daffodils
Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids which can cause issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. All parts of the flower are toxic, with the bulb being particularly concentrated.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides which are poisonous to pets. Any part of the plant could cause stomach upset and drooling if eaten.
Lillies
This plant is particularly toxic to cats. If any part is ingested it could cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal. Even brushing past the flower and getting pollen on their coat could cause serious problems. Never keep lilies around cats, even if your date has just bought them for you.
Tulips
Tulips contain toxic compounds called tulipalin A and B. If ingested, tulips can cause digestive upset, abdominal pain and an elevated heart rate.
Toxic treats
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Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound which humans can handle but pets cannot. Dark chocolate is a particularly concentrated source. In the right quantity, chocolate can cause hyperexcitement, stomach upsets, tremors, seizures, and even liver failure.
Xylitol treats
In dogs, this artificial sweetener causes a massive spike in insulin production which leads to a sudden drop in their blood sugar levels. This causes hypoglycaemia, a condition which can be fatal. Symptoms include tremors, lethargy, vomiting and collapse. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free snacks, gums and medications, so be very careful!
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