These Christmas Plants Could Harm Your Pets

Christmas plants are associated with the festive season of Christmas. There are many different plants used around the world during this holiday.

However, people, especially pet owners, need to keep in mind that when buying the tree, they must choose pet-friendly trees, as there are some tries that could harm their pets for they can have toxic effects on your cat or dog if ingested.

Many trendy Christmas plants can cause harmful symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Among the most popular of the holiday plants, are the Euphorbia pulcherrima, more widely known as the poinsettia.

Despite the poinsettia plant is not toxic, it can cause some unwanted effects for both humans and pets. Its sap can cause skin irritation for humans, sometimes, resulting in a mild, itchy rash.

As for cats and dogs, the effects can be more severe, causing a gastrointestinal upset if enough of the plant is ingested.

So, if you have a cat or dog, it is best to get rid of the poinsettia, as even a nibble can pose a risk.

Meanwhile, holly is another Christmas plant favorite that was sung about in many joyful jingles.

Toxic principles found in the holly such as the Saponin glycosides, methylxanthines, and cyanogens can do your cat some harm.

Holly can cause symptoms such as hypersalivation (drooling), loss of appetite, and vomiting.

Although cats are unlikely to chew on holly leaves due to their sharp spines, it is better to completely remove all Holly from your house, to avoid any risk to your feline.

Other Christmas plants that pose a risk to your pets include:

• Azalea (Rhododendron): can be toxic for both people and pets.
• Yew (Taxus): A yew contains a chemical called taxines that can be life-threatening.
• Boxwood (Buxus): If ingested by your pet, it can cause effects such as dehydration.
• Amaryllis: is potentially toxic for people and pets.
• Cyclamen: contains a chemical, called triterpenoid saponins, although usually hidden in the soil of a pot, it can cause issues if your pet tries to dig into it.
• Kalanchoe: it can cause gastric upset.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): can be hazardous to your pet.
• Mistletoe: contains several chemicals that can be poisonous and lead to gastrointestinal issues.
• Chrysanthemum: is mildly toxic and can be harmful to your feline.
• Gardenia: can be bad for your pet’s health due to the genioposide and gardenoside found in it.

Tip: If your pet ingested a toxic Christmas plant, watch out for symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, shaking, lack of coordination, coughing, sneezing, problems breathing, or seizures. Some reactions can take longer to show than others.

In addition, larger pets may be less likely to actually get sick from what they ingest.