When the holidays roll around, many people use festive plants to amplify the holiday spirit in their homes. Unfortunately, some popular holiday plants are not safe for our pets—and it’s not always easy to know which ones are dangerous. Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Are bromeliads poisonous to cats? What about Christmas cactus—is it poisonous to cats or dogs? Before you bring that new potted plant or wreath into your home, it’s important to have all the information.
“The truth of the matter is, most plants might make the animal drool or get a tummy ache or get a little diarrhea, but most plants are not fatal,” says integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, DVM, of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
But that’s no reason to be lax about safety.
“However, there are some plants that absolutely can be a matter of life and death,” Dr. Osborne says. “Mistletoe berries are super toxic—they can cause a heart attack and even death.”
Knowing which holiday plants are toxic to dogs and cats is the key to keeping your pet safe.
“Exercise caution when bringing holiday plants into your home,” says Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT, medical director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill. “Make sure that you know the risks associated with these plants and that they are not in the direct reach of your pets. Better yet, opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.”
Here are a few of the most common poisonous holiday plants, according to Dr. Wismer and Dr. Osborne:
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Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute.
Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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