Beware Poisonous House Plants for Pets This Holiday Season

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Gorgeous seasonal plants definitely make the holidays merry and bright. But are you aware that many popular decorations are actually poisonous house plants for pets in disguise? That’s right, your favorite Christmas décor can pose a threat to your furry family members.

In some cases, it may just be safer to forgo the real things and opt instead for artificial versions, especially if you have an especially aggressive or curious puppy or kitten at your house.

But usually, your gorgeous greenery can co-exist with your pets, as long as you take a few safety precautions and remain alert.

Poisonous House Plants for Pets During the Holidays

Christmas tree

Although the Christmas tree poses dangers in numerous ways, its needles (if it’s live, of course) can make your dog or cat sick. If swallowed, the needles could puncture your pet’s intestines. Fertilizer residue used on the trees at the tree farm and bacteria can also collect in the stagnant water in the tree stand, making this a truly poisonous house plant for pets. Consider getting an artificial tree, but if you have a live one, keep the pets away from it.

Mistletoe

If you want a special spot for smooching, opt for an artificial version of mistletoe instead of the real thing. If pets happen to ingest the leaves or berries — even if they are dried — they run the risk of intestinal upset, a drop in blood pressure, breathing problems, and even hallucinations. Seizures and death are also a possibility when your dog or cat swallows any of this poisonous house plant for pets.

Holly and berries

Holly leaves with their prickly points and their berries can be dangerous for pets. If dogs and cats ingest these plants, they can develop extreme stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as drooling.

Poinsettia

For some reason, we all know that the poinsettia makes dogs and cats sick, but they are not actually as toxic as we have been led to believe. Still, poinsettias pose a risk and should be considered as poisonous house plants for pets. If ingested, poinsettia leaves can cause nausea and vomiting. If the plant has been treated with pesticides, it’s even more dangerous to your animal and could cause seizures, coma, and even death.

Ivy

Ivy can be beautiful wrapped around the mantel or as part of a centerpiece, but beware this vine is also a poisonous house plant for pets. If your dog or cat ingests ivy, they can become very uncomfortable, experiencing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The best way to keep your pets safe during the holidays is to keep them away from plants that pose a threat to their health or opt for alternative decorations.

If you need a quick answer to a potential poisonous house plant for pets, check out the Pet Poison Helpline.