Toxic Holiday Plants

 

The holiday season is a time of celebration. One of the ways we honor this time of year is to fill our houses with a festive array of seasonal plants to brighten our days against the lengthening nights of December.  It is important to remember, however, that these plants and decorations, while pretty to eye, can become a tasty new holiday treat for an inquisitive animal to nibble. While some may be harmless or cause temporary discomfort, others can be much more serious.

 

Poinsettia

Poinsettia is one the most popular holiday plants and its toxicity is probably the most widely known. Fortunately, it is not as toxic as commonly believed. The sap in poinsettias is an irritant and can cause a skin irritation to both humans and animals alike. Ingestion of the plant can similarly result in irritation in the mouth and the lining of the digestive system. This can cause excessive drooling and vomiting. In rare cases, diarrhea may also develop.

 

Christmas trees

One the biggest symbols of Christmastime, many of us look forward to decorating the tree to prepare for Santa's arrival. The needles, branches and cones of the tree can irritate the digestive system or more seriously could cause obstructions in the intestines.

The water for the trees can also be a potential hazard. Pets may lap up some sap or preservatives (if added to the water) if they sneak under the tree for a drink. These would most likely cause vomiting or diarrhea. Older preservatives may contain copper sulfate which can cause liver failure.

Additionally, the decorations on our trees can be potential hazards. Small ornaments can easily become lodged either in an animals throat or intestines. Sparkly tinsel can be an irresistible toy for playful cats but when swallowed can become a life-threatening foreign body.

 

Christmas cactus

Ingestion will most commonly cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and lethargy. Cats may also show some neurological signs like stumbling or an unsteady gait.

 

Kalanchoe

These bright, tightly clumped flowers of white, orange or red can be a lovely spot of color in Winter. Consumption of this plant, however, can be toxic to many animals including dogs, cats, birds and reptiles. Kalanchoe can be toxic to an animal's heart and at high enough doses can be fatal.

Animals that have eaten kalanchoe may appear depressed, stop eating, drool excessively, develop vomiting or diarrhea.

 

Rosemary

This is an herb which can be found year-round since it is a popular herb for cooking. The plants may find their way inside in the Winter since it is an evergreen and an excellent addition to a roasting turkey. While the small amount we use in recipes is not harmful, larger amounts can be. Small to moderate amounts of rosemary can cause nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause hypotension which can show as weakness, pale gums and depression. Rosemary may also cause kidney failure and even abortion.

 

Mistletoe and Holly

These classic Christmas plants are now more commonly found in literature or carols than in our houses. Both can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The holly's leaves are spiky which can cause additional irritation and a large number of them could potentially cause an intestinal obstruction.

 

 The best course of action is certainly preventing ingestion of any of these. Should your pet be unfortunate enough to decide to make any of these a snack, please contact Claremont Animal Hospital immediately for advice on how to proceed.

 

 

We wish you and your pets a joyous and safe holiday season!