By: Mandy Hatman
The holiday season brings cheer and beautiful decorations, but some of these seasonal plants can pose serious health risks to our pets. As you deck the halls, keep an eye out for these common holiday plants that are best kept out of reach from curious paws.
Poinsettia
Known for its vibrant red leaves, the poinsettia is often associated with Christmas. While not highly toxic, poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting in pets ho nibble on their leaves. Keep these cheerful plants out of reach to avoid discomfort.
Mistletoe
Traditional mistletoe may add charm to your holiday decor, but it’s best kept far away from pets. Both American and European mistletoe varieties contain substances that can lead to gastrointestinal upset, a drop in blood pressure, and even heart problems if consumed in large amounts.
Holly
Holly leaves and berries bring festive cheer, but they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. Pets tend to be curious, so it’s best to use artificial holly or place live plants high up and out of reach.
Christmas Tree (Pine Needles)
While the tree itself isn’t highly toxic, pine needles can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and may lead to blockages. Try to keep fallen needles swept up to prevent ingestion and consider securing the tree to prevent climbing pets from toppling it over.
Amaryllis
A favorite holiday flower, amaryllis bulbs contain toxins that can cause abdominal pain, drooling, and tremors. Keep potted amaryllis away from pets to ensure they’re safe during the holidays.
The holiday season brings cheer and beautiful decorations, but some of these seasonal plants can pose serious health risks to our pets. As you deck the halls, keep an eye out for these common holiday plants that are best kept out of reach from curious paws.
Poinsettia
Known for its vibrant red leaves, the poinsettia is often associated with Christmas. While not highly toxic, poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting in pets ho nibble on their leaves. Keep these cheerful plants out of reach to avoid discomfort.
Mistletoe
Traditional mistletoe may add charm to your holiday decor, but it’s best kept far away from pets. Both American and European mistletoe varieties contain substances that can lead to gastrointestinal upset, a drop in blood pressure, and even heart problems if consumed in large amounts.
Holly
Holly leaves and berries bring festive cheer, but they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets. Pets tend to be curious, so it’s best to use artificial holly or place live plants high up and out of reach.
Christmas Tree (Pine Needles)
While the tree itself isn’t highly toxic, pine needles can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested and may lead to blockages. Try to keep fallen needles swept up to prevent ingestion and consider securing the tree to prevent climbing pets from toppling it over.
Amaryllis
A favorite holiday flower, amaryllis bulbs contain toxins that can cause abdominal pain, drooling, and tremors. Keep potted amaryllis away from pets to ensure they’re safe during the holidays.
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