Plants are a great way to add some festive color and holiday cheer to your home. There’s nothing like entering a house and being greeted with the warm, iconic fragrance of pine to get you into the mood for bright celebration. Unless, of course, you’ve got a dog at home — and some of that holiday decor includes poisonous plants for dogs.
Check out this handy infographic of poisonous plants for dogs that come out around the holiday season:
List of poisonous holiday plants for dogs:
- Poinsettia: This red-leafed plant doesn’t actually live up to all the hype — it’s actually only mildly toxic. However, even mild toxicity can be fatal when combined with other conditions. Better safe than sorry.
- Mistletoe: While the mistletoe may be a symbol of merry-making, it’s toxic if swallowed — but not as toxic as once believed. Again — better safe than sorry!
- Holly: Holly berries may be the most attractive to dogs, but the leaves, bark, and seeds are just as poisonous. The effect of holly on dogs is similar to that of caffeine and chocolate.
- Amaryllis: Less common than the other plants on this list, amaryllis causes abdominal pain and convulsions, so keep an eye out for it!
- Pine needles: Probably the least of your concerns here, pine needles may cause harm if swallowed, puncturing intestines or stomach lining. The tree oils might irritate mucous membranes, but just keeping your tree area tidy should prevent any problems.
Signs of poisoning may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Irregular heartbeat
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
- Swollen limbs
- Vomiting
If you suspect your dog may have been poisoned, please seek immediate medical attention.
Happiest holidays! Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a bright and warm celebration!
This piece was originally published in 2017.
Thumbnail: Photography by Lyashenko Egor / Shutterstock.
Read more about dogs and the holidays on Dogster.com:
- How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs This Holiday Season
- 10 Unique Holiday Gifts for Dog Lovers
- 7 Dog Charities to Support This Holiday Season
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5 thoughts on “5 Poisonous Plants for Dogs You Need to Look Out for During the Holiday Season”
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❤️ my Princess (10 yrs). Proud and loving (but only when she’s ‘in the mood!). Picky eater and late sleeper (9:00 am). ???????? viva Mejico!
Her sister Samantha (Pug) aged 14 died on 11.28.2018 of old age. We both have cried for Samantha (She’s buried in our TH courtyard) but Princess is taking it well. Princess (((Barks))) in her sleep and I imagine her (((Chasing))) ‘Sammy’ in her dreams and I wonder if dogs grieve.
Living without Samantha has been very hard (My first pet dog at age 65) and I worry what life will be when Princess leaves me. I watch her every minute and panic when I don’t see her (((curled))) on the sofa under its cover.
????????I ❤️ You always girls ????????
~David~
Dec. 7, 2018
Tucson. AZ.
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Would not think about some of these being a risk.
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