Pet Safety Tip: Holiday Plants Can be Poisonous to Pets

Are common holiday plants poisonous to pets? Can mistletoe and holly send your hound to the hospital? You may be surprised at the toxic effects some common holiday plants can have on your pets.

Plants Potentially Poisonous to Pets:

Poinsettias:
Poinsettias are commonly identified as being very toxic to pets. Although the sap of poinsettias is considered to be mildly toxic and will probably cause nausea or vomiting if ingested by a pet, it is not nearly as toxic as a few of these other holiday plants you may have on hand.

Holly and mistletoe:
Holly and mistletoe are moderately to severely toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficulty breathing, shock and possibly death within hours of ingestion. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of these plants poisonous to pets.

Amaryllis and lilies:
Amaryllis and lilies can be extremely poisonous to pets and have been reported to cause cardiac arrhythmias and tremors if eaten.

Pine needles and tree water:
Cats and dogs may be unable to resist a drink from the Christmas tree stand, but stagnant water can harbor bacteria and chemical preservatives can harm pets. Look for pet friendly Christmas tree preservatives. If you cannot find any, use a tree stand designed to prevent pets from accessing the water. Pine needles ingested by your pet can cause stomach upset, obstruction and may even puncture the stomach.

When it comes to holiday plants, you may want to consider opting for the fake versions to keep your traditions and your pets alive.

Read home security source article on candle fire safety in order to keep your pet safe during the holiday season. And in order to guarantee maximum pet safety, look into our pet safety tips.

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