Toxic Plants to Avoid this Holiday Season
Most people enjoy decorating for the holidays. So much, in fact, that many arguments catalyze across the country concerning how early is too early to make home a little more cozy for the holidays. However, if you are a pet owner, proceed with caution. Especially if you’ve welcomed a furry friend since the last holiday season, you may want to look at our list. We’ve compiled the most common holiday plants you want to avoid this year, as they’re toxic to our beloved, four-legged family members:
Poinsettias: This vibrant, classic Christmas plant is undoubtedly one of the most recognized. While severe toxicity is rare, the poinsettia’s milky white sap can irritate a pet’s mouth, leading to excessive drooling and mild gastrointestinal issues. Try a Christmas cactus or artificial decorations instead.
Mistletoe: It doesn’t matter if you “hang it with care,” mistletoe is notorious for its toxicity. The entirety of the plant is toxic to your furry family members, and ingesting it can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, slow heart rate, and can even be fatal. You may be tempted to simply hang it high, away from your pet’s reach, but if you have a crafty cat, it is merely best to avoid it.
Holly: For your pet to “have a holly jolly Christmas this year,” it’s best to avoid this plant. Holly leaves, and berries are another quintessential decor item that poses a threat to your pet. Artificial holly should be used as an alternative, as the real deal contains compounds that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy when ingested.
Amaryllis: These beautiful bulbs with stunning blooms are highly toxic to pets. If a four-legged family member ingests any part of this plant, but especially the bulb, it can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and even tremors.
African Lily: Like the amaryllis, ingesting any part of this popular holiday plant can lead to significant stomach and gastrointestinal issues and excessive drooling. Instead, try adding roses or orchids to your holiday decor.
Christmas Trees: Lastly, one of the central pieces of the holiday season necessitates extra caution. While the tree itself is not toxic, the water in the tree stand can contain poisonous fertilizers and other chemicals. Some of the tree decor, like ornaments, lights, and tinsel, especially, are also choking hazards and can cause intestinal obstructions if ingested. Ensure your ornaments are secure– you wouldn’t want a cat to knock off a family heirloom or treasured piece anyway– avoid tinsel altogether, and ensure the tree stand is covered and inaccessible to your pets.
Consider one of the following alternatives to keep your house festive but your pets safe this holiday season:
Non-Toxic Plants: The Christmas cactus, a spider plant, or a Boston fern are all non-toxic alternatives that add some greenery to your decor without harming your pet.
Opt for Artificial: Who said real was better? Opting for an artificial tree will save you money in the long run. Still, it may be the better alternative anyway– especially if your two-legged family members have allergies or you don’t want the upkeep of a real tree. Fake plants can also be reused for years to come.
Safe Lighting: Our feline friends are inquisitive and may want a closer look at the bright lights and shiny ornaments. Opt for LED lights, which emit less heat and reduce the risk of burns. They’ll keep your more inquisitive, furry family members safe.
Follow the tips above and cross-reference any new plant or decoration that comes into your home to keep your pets safe this holiday season.
