This Valentine's Day, people all over Hawaii will be giving chocolate goodies to their sweethearts. As with other candy-oriented holidays, however, it's also an important time to be vigilant about which goodies your dog is eating.

The vets at Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic want to remind you that chocolate is very bad for pets, and that part of good pet care entails keeping your furry friends away from it.

Here, the veterinary team answers some questions you may have about chocolate and why it's important to make sure your pets don't eat any this holiday: 

• Why Is Chocolate Bad For Pets? Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant very similar to caffeine. While adult humans can process it quickly and safely, cats and dogs have a lot of trouble digesting it, which results in the chemical building up to toxic levels. The most common symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, while severe symptoms include tremors, hyperactivity, a racing heart, and loss of consciousness.

  

• How Can I Keep My Dog Away From Chocolate? To dissuade your dog from nibbling, always store your chocolate in airtight containers or in the fridge. Never leave it out where he can see or smell it. Also, never throw away half-eaten candy bars, or he might dig it out of the trash; obviously, the best way to keep chocolate away from your dog is to eat it all yourself!

• What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate? If you suspect your dog ate chocolate, first figure out how much and what kind he ate; then call your veterinarian. With this information, along with your dog's weight and present symptoms, your vet will advise you as to whether your dog is better off staying home or coming into the clinic. A large dog who had a bite of milk chocolate will probably be fine, whereas if he had eaten dark chocolate or cocoa, he might need medical treatment.

Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic wishes you a happy and safe Valentine's Day. To learn more about their pet care services, or to schedule an appointment with a vet, call (808) 625-6744 today. You can also visit them online to learn more tips for keeping your pet safe.