It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when you start to see Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettia and mistletoe. However, the plants that can make the holidays so special can also make them deadly for your pets — or at least a bit uncomfortable. Here are 5 plants that you should keep out of the way of your four-legged friends during the holidays:
Pine Needles
Whether they are on your Christmas tree, a wreath or some garland, pine needles can be a problem if ingested. The needles can puncture or irritate the lining of your dog’s stomach, and the oils can irritate the mucous membranes. The needles may not kill your pet, but they can make him really uncomfortable and ill.
Poinsettia
Though not poisonous, this brightly colored holiday plant can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, even causing vomiting. Your pet may spend a few days feeling bad, but it shouldn’t cause more serious problems than that.
Mistletoe
You might want to pucker up when you see mistletoe, but if your dog gets too close to it, it can cause serious problems. Ingesting mistletoe can cause everything from gastrointestinal disorders to cardiovascular collapse.
Holly
Though holly has a low toxicity level for dogs, its leaves and berries can still cause vomiting, diarrhea and even depression. While it may not cause serious health problems, it can make the holidays a little less bright for your dogs.
Amaryllis
These brightly colored flowers are often used in holiday displays. However, if your dog decides to take a nibble, he can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, excessive salivation and tremors.
If you plan to travel at the holidays, leaving your dogs at home with those holidays plants is not worth the risk. Boarding your dog with a professional service like Citizen Canine can ensure that he is safe and healthy while you are away.
FAQs
Holly contains harmful chemicals that are toxic to cats. If ingested holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and drooling. This spiny leaved, berry-producing plant can be lethal to cats and should not deck the halls of your home during the holidays. Like holly, avoid using mistletoe if you own cats.
What is the most toxic plant to dogs? ›
Top 10 toxic household plants for pets
- Oleander. ...
- Aloe. ...
- Chrysanthemum. ...
- Hyacinth. ...
- Jade plant. ...
- Sago palm. ...
- Daffodil. ...
- Asparagus fern. Also known as the foxtail fern or emerald fern, these plants are often used in hanging pots due to their feathery leaves and hardy nature.
Holly contains harmful chemicals that are toxic to cats. If ingested holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and drooling. This spiny leaved, berry-producing plant can be lethal to cats and should not deck the halls of your home during the holidays. Like holly, avoid using mistletoe if you own cats.
Are Christmas wreaths toxic to dogs? ›
The decorations on your tree can be dangerous to your pet, but also the tree itself can be dangerous! A real Christmas tree's water can be toxic as it can contain bacteria, pesticides, and mold. Also, the needles from Christmas trees and wreaths can be irritating and potentially cause intestinal obstructions.
How do I stop my dog from eating poisonous plants? ›
To help keep your best pal away from poisonous plants, you can also consider:
- Pet-proofing your home by keeping any problem plants out of paw's reach.
- Limiting their access to the areas where you keep your plants.
- Fencing off your landscaping and flower gardens.
- Decorating with non-toxic or artificial plants.
If you think that your dog could have eaten a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. They may recommend that you bring your dog to the veterinary hospital right away for treatment.
Do dogs know to avoid poisonous plants? ›
Don't fall for the myth that dogs instinctively avoid dangerous plants. While it's sometimes true of animals in the wild, dogs have no ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe plants.
What is bad for dogs at Christmas? ›
A summary of Christmas foods not to give dogs
- Chocolate.
- Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding.
- Sage and onion stuffing.
- Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods etc.
Lavender oil contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs in high concentrations. If ingested in large amounts, lavender oil can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
What Christmas tree is poisonous to dogs? ›
The fir tree oils can irritate your dog's mouth and stomach and cause her to vomit or drool excessively. Tree needles also can obstruct or puncture her gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, some poisons may take days to show any symptoms. Signs of plant poisoning in dogs are notorious for this … because symptoms of certain plant toxins can take days to appear. That's why if you know your dog has eaten something toxic, it's important to keep track of when he ate it and what he ate.
Will dogs stay away from toxic plants? ›
Common garden and indoor plants can be toxic to dogs. While some might just cause an upset tummy, others can cause more serious problems – especially if they're eaten in large amounts. Although most dogs will avoid eating dangerous plants, others will be more curious, especially young dogs or puppies.
How long does it take for a dog to be sick after eating something bad? ›
Symptoms. Your dog may vomit after eating something harmful, but it's more likely that symptoms will take a couple of days to develop (depending on what they has eaten). Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if you think that your dog may have eaten something harmful.
How long does plant poisoning take in dogs? ›
The time it takes for a dog to show signs of poisoning will depend on the toxin. Some toxins cause reactions right away, while others cause symptoms several hours or days later.
Are any weeds poisonous to dogs? ›
Some poisonous weeds include Datura stramonium, also known as Jimsonweed, Devil's Trompet, Thorn Apple, Indian Apple, Black Datura, Tolguacha, and Jamestown Weed. A more commonly known weed is milkweed, which is found in North America. There are over 140 species, and it is highly toxic to dogs.
Is lavender toxic to dogs? ›
Lavender contains linalool, a compound toxic to pets, including dogs. However, while linalool is toxic to dogs in large amounts, toxicity in dogs is rarer than it is in cats. That being said, dogs can become poisoned by eating a large amount of lavender from the plant or essential oils.
Is basil toxic to dogs? ›
Basil is safe for your dog, and it offers several health benefits. Basil is known to help digestion & boost the immune system. It's also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve your dog's overall health.
