Holiday Plants Toxic To Pets

by Jenn Smith November 11, 2019

Some of our favorite fall and winter holidays are around the corner; and while we may be excited to deck the halls with boughs of holly, pets are not looking forward to it. Some holiday plants can make dogs and cats sick if ingested and can even become fatal. Here are the top plants to keep pets away from this holiday season:

Poinsettia: Probably the most iconic holiday plant. However, this plant contains sap that is irritable to dogs and can cause swelling of the mouth and esophagus. Vomiting can occur if leaves are ingested.
Holly: Sorry, no mistletoe for dogs. Holly is a toxic plant that has a greater toxicity level than poinsettia for companion animals. Mistletoe can cause breathing problems, hallucinations, a drop in blood pressure, upset stomach and other intestinal complications.
Lilies and Daffodils: While daffodils are commonly planted in yards for deer resistance, it's best to keep them, including lilies, away from pets, too. A small amount ingested can leave cats with gastrointestinal issues, convulsions and other health concerns.
The Christmas Tree: Some conifers, such as pine and fir, contain oils that can irritate pets' mouths and stomachs. Tree needles can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and punctures, if ingested. What's worse, the Christmas tree comes with other concerns for pet owners such as the lights and ornaments dangling from the tree. While pets may first view both as toys, they can cause serious health issues beyond choking if chewed on.
Amaryllis: Beautiful, but dangerous. Amaryllis plants can leave pets drooling excessively with a decrease in appetite, abdominal pains and vomiting.