Christmas Plants Toxic To Pets

Christmas should be a happy time of year but many times disaster occurs when a family pet ingests a poisonous plant that can cause GI upset or in some cases death. Here are the top 3 plants that may cause problems this holiday season.

1.) Poinsettia – The poinsettia is a popular and beautiful plant during the holiday season. These plants are usually not deadly when ingested. The plant has changed some through hybridization so the floral industry contends that these plants are not poisonous.

The poinsettia is listeed as poisonous because the sap is an irritant. If any part of the plant is ingested by a dog, cat, rabbit, or other curious pet the animal may show signs of oral irritation by shaking its head, hyper-salivating, or pawing at the head and mouth. The plant my also cause vomiting.

Treatment – Wash the sap off immediately to stop further irritation. If the animal is vomiting or if the eyes appear inflamed then call your veterinarian. Medications may be needed to treat your pets eyes and/or to treat the GI tract.

2.) Mistletoe – American Mistletoe is the common variety known as Christmas mistletoe. There is a European variety and they differ in looks and toxicity. The American mistletoe is the variety that dogs and cats are more likely to come in contact with especially during the holiday season.

Mistletoe poisoning is rare but it does occur if the pet eats a large number of the berries. Symptoms include but are not limited too: hyper-salivating, vomiting, diarrhea, urinating more then usual, and a fast heart rate and respiratory rate. In severe cases the animal can go into shock and possibly die with out immediate treatment. If the pet consumes a small amount of the mistletoe berries it may suffer with GI upset but otherwise be okay but if the pet consumes a larger amount of the berries then it may suffer with the more severe symptoms listed above.

Treatment – If your pet consumes mistletoe berries in any amount call your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions. If the animal is vomiting it may need IV fluids to prevent dehydration and correct any electrolyte imbalance.

3.) Holly - Holly is another Christmas favorite. The red berries on the holly plant can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of holly poisoning include: GI upset, vomiting and diarrhea. Like mistletoe if a small amount of berries were consumed things will probably be okay but if a larger amount of the berries were consumed the pet may suffer with vomiting and diarrhea, if this is the case then worry about dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Treatment - Always play it safe and call your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions. If the animal has GI upset it may need IV fluids to prevent dehydration and correct any electrolyte imbalance.

There are many poisonous plants out there so be careful about letting your cat or dog nibble on any household plants. Always assume a plant is toxic unless you know for sure that it is not.

When you call your veterinarian have this information:

• The name of the plant consumed.
• How much of the plant the animal consumed.
• How long ago the animal ate the plant.
• The pets vital signs.

Do not induce vomiting without instructions from a licensed veterinarian. Some substances do more damage to the esophagus if vomited. Also never induce vomiting on an animal who is in distress (trouble breathing, fast or slow heart rate, seizing, or unconscious).

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