Canine Health

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DANGEROUS HOLIDAY PLANTS

by TheDogPlace.org Staff

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

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

Christmas plants and decorations can be deadly to your dog. Below are photos and information on plants that can poison your pet but first, here's the emergency number to call if you suspect your pet has been poisoned. 800-222-1222 the National Poison Control Center. It will automatically connect to their free service in your state. You will 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 – Contains Triterpinoidsaponins found in the tuberous shizomes.

Symptoms: GI problems, convulsions, and paralysis.

Treatment – Symptomatic but veterinary if convulsing.

Poinsettia – 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 – is extremely poisonous to cats . Eating small amounts of any part of this plant can be deadly especially in cats. Dogs are also sensitive to the toxins in this plant.

English Holly – Saponins and unknown compounds with digitalis-like 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 – Toxic proteins are found in all parts of this plant.

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.  Outdoor landscaping plants, and even some fruit and vegetable plants can be dangerous to both children and pets. Click for this printable Dangerous and Hazardous Plants page.

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