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Be aware: Holiday plants that are dangerous to pets

Veterinarians across the U.S. are urgently warning pet owners to rethink their holiday decorations especially with poinsettias, holly and mistletoe, which experts have revealed all to be be deadly to our furry friends.


With 60% of U.S. households owning pets, Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, the leading pet-sitting platform, has partnered with qualified vet Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS to urgently highlight popular festive plants that can pose serious health risks if ingested by pets.



Here are five festive plants that should be kept away from pets this holiday season:


Poinsettias


Known for their vibrant red leaves, poinsettias are a Christmas classic. However, they can be very harmful to our pets if consumed. It’s not just ingesting it that’s a concern, skin or eye contact with the plant’s sap might cause redness, swelling, or itching, so keep it at a safe distance, out of reach, if you have it in the house this season.


Lizzie explains: “The milky-white sap that the plant produces contains chemicals that can cause an irritant reaction in both humans and our fluffy friends. While it’s unlikely that a small amount of this will poison your pup, ingesting large amounts can lead to vomiting, drooling, and lethargy.”


Holly


Holly is a festive favorite, especially for wreaths, garlands, and mantlepiece arrangements, but it’s bad news for pets. The berries contain toxins including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogen's, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain, often leading to a vet visit.


The sharp, spiky leaves can also cause injuries in the mouth or throat if your pet gets a hold of them.


Lizzie advises: “Keep a close eye on your pet and ensure they stay hydrated, especially if they’re losing fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea. Severe cases may require a vet visit for tests and potentially intravenous fluids.”


Mistletoe


While mistletoe is a romantic holiday tradition, it’s far less charming for pets. Although it’s one of the less toxic plants on this list, the berries and leaves contain substances that can lead to breathing difficulties if ingested.


To keep pets safe, Angela recommends placing mistletoe out of reach, such as in its traditional, romantic high placement above doorways.


Wreaths


Hand crafted wreaths can be particularly risky for pets. Loose plant fragments, such as leaves, holly, or berries, can easily fall to the floor, tempting curious pets to investigate.


Angela explains: “Handmade wreaths are a lovely way to personalize your Christmas décor, but artificial or professionally made wreaths are a safer choice for pet owners. If you do make your own wreath, check its placement and condition regularly to prevent any plant toxic debris from reaching your pets.”


Amaryllis


Amaryllis plants, with their striking red and white flowers, are a popular festive decoration and gift. However, both the bulb and the flowers of the amaryllis plant contain toxins, including lycorine and other alkaloids, which are highly toxic to pets.


Symptoms of ingestion can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount consumed. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and tremors. In more severe cases, pets may experience lethargy, a drop in blood pressure, and even seizures.


Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, adds:


“While Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, it’s important to remain vigilant about the risks certain decorations and plants can pose to our pets. A little awareness goes a long way in ensuring your furry companions stay healthy throughout the festive season, so owner and pet alike can enjoy themselves safely.


“Remember - when it comes to your pet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, don’t delay in contacting your vet in the first instance of any concerns and follow their advice.”


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