CANINE HEALTH IS...

...avoiding plants and decorations which can be poisonous or harmful to your pets. As regards safety, watch your puppy like a small child.

DANGEROUS HOLIDAY PLANTS

by TheDogPlace.org Staff

Symptoms, treatment for poinsettia, mistletoe, holly and other holiday plants known to be poisonous to pets, plus the National Poison Control emergency number.

Indeed, there are traditional Christmas season, 4th Of July, Thanksgiving and other holiday plants and decorations that can be deadly to your dog, cat, bird, or other house pet. Below are photos and information on plants that can poison your pet but first, here is the emergency number to call if you suspect your pet has has chewed on one of these plants. If your vet is closed, among the best phone numbers to call in an emergency is 1-800-222-1222 the National Poison Control Center which will automatically connect to their free service in your state. Depending on who answers, you should get quick, basic information for animal poisoning 24-7.

Here is how to to induce vomiting, "give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is available at your local pharmacy. It is the preferred vomit-inducing product for dogs. Give your dog one teaspoon hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight."~ ref www.wikihow.com

These are the most dangerous holiday plants.  We advise against having then in your home if you have pets. If a guest brings one of these toxic-to-pets plants or if you have them in the landscaping, be sure your dogs can't get to them. Check those that are dangerous to cats because it is difficult to prevent feline access to anything...

Cyclamen (Primulaceae) – Contains Triterpinoidsaponins found in the tuberous shizomes.

Symptoms: GI problems, convulsions, and paralysis. Toxins cause local irritation and are therefore well absorbed from the GI tract. Toxicity of hybrid species has not been supported experimentally.

Treatment – Symptomatic but veterinary if convulsing.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) – Milky sap contains unknown toxic principles.

Symptoms: Irritates mucous membranes and causes excessive salivation and vomiting, but not death. 

Treatment – Symptomatic at best. Gastric lavage, activated charcoal and saline cathartics should be considered.

Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum) is extremely poisonous to cats . Eating small amounts of any part of this plant can cause dangerous symptoms which can to death from kidney failure in cats. Dogs are not as sensitive to the toxins in this plant but make sure they can't reach the holiday lilies.

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – Saponins: an alkaloid triterpene compound, and unknown compounds with digitalis-like cardiotonic activity have been found in leaves, fruits and seeds.

Symptoms: Abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhea observed following ingestion of .2 berries. Death rare.

Treatment – Symptomatic or veterinary.

Mistletoe (Pghoradendron flavescens) – Amines, toxic proteins and unknowns found in all parts.

Symptoms: Vomiting, profuse diarrhea, dilated pupils, rapid labored breathing, shock, and death from cardiovascular collapse within hours of ingesting toxic dosage.

Treatment – Get your dog to the veterinarian!

It not just holiday plants that can make your pets sick.  Indoor decor plants, outdoor landscaping plants, and even some fruit and vegetable plants can be very dangerous to both children and pets.  Click for this printable Dangerous and Hazardous Plants page.

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