Holiday Safety Tips: Topic #2 - Plants. What plants are dangerous to my pets?

What plants are dangerous to my pets?

Whether you are a seasoned gardener, or a black thumb like me, there are times in our lives that plants find their way into our home and even our yards.  House warming gifts, flower arrangements, and holidays seem to bring them into my home.  It is hard to believe that some of these beautiful plants and flowers can be dangerous to our pets.  Remember that the plant kingdom is just as cunning in making the most beautiful plants the most dangerous.  Here are a few of the holiday plants that might find their way into your home this holiday season and what precautions you should take.

Poinsettia - A holiday favorite in its bright colors and thick foliage.

Toxicity:  Toxic to Cats and Dogs.

Signs/Symptoms:  Irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes causing vomiting.

Holly (American) – A rich green plant seen in flower and plant arrangements during this time of year. 

Toxicity:  Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses

Signs/Symptoms:  Vomiting, diarrhea and depression

Mistletoe (American) – This plant known to bring kisses is also a very dangerous plant if ingested by your pets. 

Toxicity:  Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Horses

Signs/Symptoms:  Gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, abnormally low heart rate, and erratic behavior.  Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure is possible, but rare.

Lilies – A favorite in many bouquets in a vast variety of types such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca.   

Toxicity:  Toxic to Cats

Signs/Symptoms:  Vomiting, not wanting to eat, lethargy, kidney failure, and death is possible.

The biggest asset we can have is awareness.  The best is to assume that every plant you have in your home can pose a danger for your pet unless specifically bought our supplied to your pet (cat grass, etc.).  Keep all plants up and away from pets.  Use of a closed window box or rooms not accessible to pets is best. 

If your pet decides to ‘taste’ a plant, have the following information on hand.

1. The Phone Number to Call
1. Your Veterinarian’s phone number (Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital 303-680-2200)
2. Your local veterinary emergency clinic number (Animal Emergency and Specialty Center 720-842-5050)
3. Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) - $65.00 case fee may apply.
2. The plant ingested – either the name or a sample of it.
3. The details around the ingestion – when and how much was eaten/chewed on.

If you want to learn more about the plants in your home or if you have a question on what plants are safe for your home, go to www.aspca.org/apcc for a search-able database of toxic and non-toxic plants.  

Written by:  Jamie Davis, CVPM