• DO: Capture an image of your pet for eternity.
    1. Make an appointment to have professional photos taken of your pet, or hire an artist to paint a portrait of your dog, cat, or other favorite critter.
  • DON'T: Buy a plant or flowers for Valentine's
    Day that could be toxic.
    1. If you're thinking of buying a plant or flower arrangement for your pet-owning sweetie (or for yourself), visit the ASPCA.org for a list of both toxic and non-toxic plants.
  • DO: Capture your pet's adorable paw for
    eternity.
    1. Make a permanent clay print of your pet's paw with a special kit.
  • DON'T: Leave Valentine's Day candy where
    your pet might find it.
    1. If candy is on your V Day shopping list, keep in mind chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. And the darker the chocolate, the more toxic. Chocolate contains a caffeine-like stimulant substance that when ingested by your pet can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, racing pulse and seizures. Also, the fat content in chocolate can wreak havoc with a pet's pancreas.
  • DO: Set aside an hour or two to do what your
    pet wants to do.
    1. If your dog has a favorite activity like riding in the car, hiking a trail with you, or retrieving a tennis ball over and over and over (and over), carve out a couple hours on or around Valentine's Day and indulge him.
  • DON'T: Allow your pet to sample the V Day
    champagne or wine.
    1. Needless to say, any sort of alcoholic beverage is dangerous for pets. And it doesn't take more than a tiny bit to bring on vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, breathing difficulties and coma.
  • DO: Treat your favorite fuzzy carnivore to a
    super-healthy meal.
    1. Skip the heart-shaped carb-heavy pet treats and invest the money instead in a small amount of an excellent quality raw, canned or dehydrated dog or cat food.
  • DON'T: Leave lit candles unattended around
    your pet.
    1. If dinner by candlelight is on the agenda for Valentine's Day, be sure to keep the flames well out of the reach of curious pets. And safely extinguish burning candles before you leave a room.
  • DO: Give your pet your undivided attention.
    1. Set aside 15 minutes to a half hour and give your animal companion your total focus. Don't multi-task during this small window of time. Allow no interruptions. Do nothing but concentrate on your pet. Soak up her animal energy.

      You can spend the time just petting or massaging your pet, bathing or grooming her, or doing an at-home wellness exam. You can take your dog for a short, invigorating walk. Engage your kitty with her favorite toy. Chat with your bird. Set your pocket pet free to investigate a bit of the world outside her cage.