4 Dangerous Holiday Plants for Pets, According to Veterinarians

Keep your pets safe this holiday season.

Christmas wreath with mistletoe on wood board — Credit:
AlexandrRybitskiy / Getty Images

Displaying festive plants throughout your home or as outdoor décor is one of the joys of the Christmas season. While they're undeniably beautiful, some popular holiday plants can be toxic to pets. We spoke to a veterinarian to learn which holiday plants pose a risk and what signs may indicate your pet has ingested one out of curiosity. Before the festivities begin, make sure these plants aren't in areas where your pets can easily come in contact with them, or consider these expert-recommended alternatives.

Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, Veterinary Director with Senior Tail Waggers, Chief of Staff, Kingsgate Animal Hospital

4 Dangerous Holiday Plants for Pets

If you keep these plants in your home during the holidays, you may want to rethink their placement and keep them well out of reach of your pets.

Lilies

Lilies create a beautiful seasonal arrangement, but are extremely toxic to cats. Every part of the plant—flowers, leaves, stems, pollen, and even water from the vase—contains toxins that can harm them.

Exposure to even a tiny amount of the plant can cause acute kidney failure. Simply grooming pollen off their fur can lead to serious illness, and if ingested, it can be fatal, warns Whittenburg.

According to the ASPCA, "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats." Visit the ASPCA database of toxic plants to search for the toxicity of individual plants.

Mistletoe

You might want to swap your beloved holiday mistletoe for an artificial version—mistletoe is toxic to cats and dogs, and if ingested, it can cause significant gastrointestinal upset or, more seriously, heart and neurological issues, says Whittenburg. There are several varieties of mistletoe, but the American and European varieties are the most poisonous for dogs and cats, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

Factors such as your pet's size and the amount ingested can affect the severity of symptoms. However, any ingestion of mistletoe warrants an immediate call to your veterinarian or poison control to keep your pet safe.

Holly

Having holly in the house during the holidays presents a serious risk to cats and dogs. If they ingest it, holly can lead to gastrointestinal problems and extreme mouth pain, according to Whittenburg. Most holly varieties have spiny, sharp-edged leaves that can hurt your pets' mouths if they chew on them, according to the Pet Poison Hotline. If you catch your pet eating holly, contact the veterinarian immediately.

Poinsettias

A poinsettia plant in a pot on a table with a blurred Christmas tree in the background and gold ornaments nearby — Sckrepka / Getty Images.

Poinsettias are not inherently toxic, but if ingested, they can cause gastrointestinal upset and oral irritation, says Whittenburg. These plants are considered "mildly toxic" to cats and dogs, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Pets often chew on the big, bright red leaves, which release a sap that causes most of the internal irritation. When the sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes, mild irritation can occur, such as redness, swelling, and itchiness.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests an Unsafe Plant

If you catch your pet chewing or ingesting a toxic holiday plant, monitor their symptoms closely. Common signs to watch for include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, pawing at the mouth, lethargy, tremors, weakness, and abdominal pain, according to Whittenburg. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The type of plan your pet was exposed to determines the urgency of the care they will need. For example, a cat's exposure to lilies requires immediate, emergency attention, while other cases may warrant timely care with a veterinarian or poison control.

When in doubt, reach out to your veterinarian right away so they can intervene and help your pet.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Plant Options

Decorating for the holidays is one of the most cherished rituals of the season. But decorating with toxic plants when you have curious pets at home isn't worth the risk. Instead of displaying your favorite real holiday plants, consider artificial ones that are non-toxic.

Holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, moth orchids, and bromeliads can also be safer options for pets, says Whittenburg. When you're doing your holiday plant shopping, keep these pet-friendly alternatives in mind for a beautiful display.

Sources

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