We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be dangerous or even poisonous to pets.
- Mistletoe
- holly,
- ornamental pepper
- Christmas rose
If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset.
Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if. This is not a conclusive listing...there are many more toxic plants. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' reach. So when you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your pets reach, or use imitation holiday plants.
Please visit the ASPCA website for more information regarding plants that could be poisonous and dangerous to pets at www.aspca.org/apcc
or call (888) 426-4435
