Christmas is a magical time to celebrate with loved ones, and for many of us, that includes our furry friends.
As you deck the halls in time for the festive season, remember that many traditional Christmas plants and decorations often have hidden hazards that can make our furry friends sick.
Here’s five Christmas plants that are dangerous to pets and how to protect your pet over the festive season.
1: Holly
Everybody wants a ‘holly jolly Christmas’ but not at the expense of our furry friends. Holly's sharp leaves can harm cats and dogs, and the berries are toxic; they contain poisonous substances like saponins and methylxanthines, which can cause stomach issues.
Symptoms your pet may have after eating holly:
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy (tiredness)
- Pawing at mouth or head shaking due to mouth irritation
2: Mistletoe
Just like holly, mistletoe’s berries are toxic to cats and dogs. Whilst it’s not a good idea for your furry friends to get their paws on any of the mistletoe, the berries are specifically dangerous. They contain toxic compounds, such as viscotoxin which can make your pet very unwell.
Symptoms your pet may have after eating mistletoe:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Unsteady walk
- Tummy pain
3: Poinsettia
Poinsettia is a popular Christmas houseplant that can add a splash of colour to your home during the festive season. However, poinsettias are toxic to pets, specifically cats and dogs. The leaves and stems contain toxic substances that can cause issues if eaten.
Symptoms your pet may have after eating poinsettia:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Mouth irritation
- Drooling
4: Ivy
Ivy is a traditional Christmas plant that symbolises new life, prosperity and eternal life. It was even used in pre-Christmas celebrations to ward off evil spirits. That’s why it’s commonly used in Christmas wreaths and garlands.
Symptoms your pet may have after eating ivy:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tummy pain
- Lethargy
- Skin irritation
5: Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a plant that produces large flowers in vibrant colours like red and white, that are perfect for Christmas. They may look beautiful, but these plants are poisonous to both cats and dogs, as they contain a toxin called lycorine.
Symptoms your pet may have after eating amaryllis:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Tummy pain
- Tremors or convulsions
What should I do if my pet eats a dangerous plant?
If you think your pet has eaten a dangerous plant, contact your vet immediately. Even if you don’t see any immediate symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your vet will usually ask you to identify the plant and let them know how much you think your pet has eaten. They may advise you to monitor for specific symptoms or to bring your pet in to be examined.
How to have a pet-friendly Christmas
If you are having dangerous plants in your house, be sure to put them up high and out of the way of your pets. Alternatively, you could use faux plants around the house for Christmas. That way you can still have a gorgeous Christmas plant without the risk of making your pet unwell. Plus, you won’t have the hassle of maintaining a plant, so it’s a win-win situation!
Looking for more info on keeping your furry friends safe at Christmas? Read our pet-friendly blog here.