Poisonous plants spread across US property, with purple spots on stems
Hemlock is a poisonous invasive species that is rapidly spreading throughout the United States. The entire plant is poisonous and can be fatal if eaten.
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If you decorate the hall with natural plants such as holly, poinsettia, mistletoe, amaryllis, it is better to keep them out of the reach of pets or reconsider the decoration.
Many holiday plants are popular this time of year because they provide green, red, and other vibrant colors during the normally gray and brown winter months. They make great gifts for hosts or anyone else who seems to have it all, and are often the centerpiece of home holiday decor.
However, these berries, conifers, and leaves can contain chemicals and other hazards for pets, especially cats and dogs.
Here’s what you need to know:
Pets should not eat Christmas trees and wreaths.
Holly’s pretty prickly leaves and bright red berries add a pop to garlands and tabletop decorations. However, if you have dogs or cats, it’s best to keep them away from your best buds. According to PetMD.com, holly leaves and berries can cause gastrointestinal upset and lethargy in dogs. Symptoms are usually temporary and resolve on their own, but for some dogs it can become a serious problem, says PetMD. Cats may experience severe vomiting, difficulty walking, and loss of appetite.
Any dog owner knows that dogs love sticks. So imagine their excitement when you bring the whole tree into the house. However, keep an eye on your dog around the Christmas tree, as chewing on pine needles and branches can upset your dog’s tummy and cause blockages.
Cats can also get sick from Christmas trees. The oils in pine needles can cause stomach upset, vomiting, loss of appetite, as well as inflammation and obstruction of the intestinal tract. If you have pets at your Christmas tree, make sure there are no additives in the tree’s water either, as they may jump off the tree stand, according to the Penn State College of Agriculture Extension.
Yews, another evergreen popular in wreaths, wreaths, and flower arrangements, can be more dangerous. Its berries and waxy needles can cause abnormal heart rates, high blood pressure, tremors and seizures when ingested by dogs and cats, says PetMD.
Poinsettias and other holiday flowers can be poisonous
Poinsettias are perhaps the flower most associated with the holiday season. Also, since they are often placed on the floor or table, dogs and cats may find them tempting to chew or eat. However, pets that eat poinsettia flowers or leaves can experience drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own, but if they persist for more than two or three episodes, contact your veterinarian, PetMD advises.
In some good news, a post published by Purdue University points out that poinsettias can pose a serious risk to pets if they eat large quantities, but mistletoe can be highly poisonous (more on that later).
Amaryllis is a popular gift, the flowers are beautiful, and the bulbs mature into beautiful winter blooms. However, if your dog eats any part of the plant, it can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea (including bloody stools). They may also experience abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, and seizures, PetMD says. If you think your dog has eaten any part of the plant, it is best to contact your emergency veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Lilies are also popular as holiday gifts, but many varieties are extremely dangerous to cats. Cats that ingest lily flowers, pollen, and leaves can develop kidney failure and die, and even water from a vase containing lilies can be toxic to cats. If your cat ingests lily parts, pollen, or water, contact your veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately.
Please be careful mistletoe too much
If you want to sneak a peck under the mistletoe, make sure to hang it high enough that your furry friend can’t reach it, says PetMD.
If this American plant is ingested in small amounts (a sip or two), it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
However, if your dog eats too much American or European mistletoe, it can cause serious problems, including high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate. Your dog may be lethargic or weak, but may not show any symptoms. That can lead to delays in treatment and, in turn, serious problems such as heart and organ damage. Cats can also get sick from eating mistletoe, and like dogs, European species are especially dangerous, Penn State says.
How to care for holiday plants
Plants also require care to keep them healthy, and Penn State offers these tips:
According to Penn State University, poinsettias are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature as well as water and low light, so ideally keep them in a sunny window, keep them well watered, use a water-soluble fertilizer, and mist them occasionally.
The ideal temperature for poinsettias is 55 to 75 degrees. Once the flowers have finished flowering and the leaves have fallen, Penn State University recommends pruning the plant 3 to 5 inches above the soil, placing it in a cool location (55 to 59 degrees range), watering occasionally, and repotting in the spring. If nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees, place it outdoors in light shade and bring it back indoors in August.
If you have a Christmas cactus, place it in a cool place and reduce watering frequency until flower buds form, then increase watering and temperature. Once the flowers have finished blooming, move them to a cool, sunny location with indirect light. In summer, it can be grown outdoors in bright shade. When fall returns, the plant can be placed in a bright, cool spot, but once buds become noticeable again, move it to a brighter light spot, says Penn State.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
