Many people enjoy displaying poinsettias in their homes during the holiday season, but you may worry about whether or not they are toxic to your pets.

Are Poinsettia Toxic to Pets?

Toxicity to Pets

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, poinsettias are considered mildly toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In rare cases, poinsettia ingestion can also cause more serious side effects, such as oral irritation, skin irritation, and eye irritation. These side effects are typically more common in cats than in dogs.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Poinsettia

If you think your pet has eaten a poinsettia, call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will likely recommend that you induce vomiting or give your pet activated charcoal to absorb the toxins. In some cases, your veterinarian may also hospitalize your pet for observation.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Poinsettias

The best way to keep your pets safe from poinsettias is to keep them out of reach. This means placing the plant in a high location where your pet cannot reach it or keeping it in a separate room that your pet is not allowed to enter.

If you have a pet that is particularly curious or likes to chew on plants, you may want to consider avoiding poinsettias altogether. There are many other beautiful holiday plants that are safe for pets, such as Christmas cactus, amaryllis, and kalanchoe.

Conclusion

Poinsettia can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested, but the risk of serious side effects is low. If you think your pet has eaten a poinsettia, call your veterinarian immediately. You can keep your pets safe from poinsettias by keeping them out of reach or avoiding them altogether.