The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of danger for pets. Many common holiday plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to animals. If you have pets, it's important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to protect them.

Are Poinsettias Dangerous for Pets?

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are one of the most popular holiday plants, but they can also be toxic to pets. The poinsettia plant contains a milky sap that can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, the sap can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.

The most common symptoms of poinsettia poisoning in pets include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Skin irritation
  • Swelling of the mouth and throat
  • Difficulty breathing

    • If you think your pet has ingested a poinsettia plant, call your veterinarian immediately.

    Mistletoe

    Mistletoe is another popular holiday plant that can be toxic to pets. The berries of the mistletoe plant contain a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.

    The most common symptoms of mistletoe poisoning in pets include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dilated pupils
  • Seizures
  • Death

    • If you think your pet has ingested a mistletoe plant, call your veterinarian immediately.

    Holly

    Holly is a third common holiday plant that can be toxic to pets. The leaves and berries of the holly plant contain a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.

    The most common symptoms of holly poisoning in pets include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Lethargy
  • Death

    • If you think your pet has ingested a holly plant, call your veterinarian immediately.

    If you have pets, it's important to take steps to protect them from these toxic holiday plants. Keep poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly out of reach of your pets. If you think your pet has ingested any of these plants, call your veterinarian immediately.