With winter coming on it's time to chat about keeping our dogs safe during the festive season. As you deck the halls, trim the tree, and fill your home with holiday cheer, it's crucial to be aware of potential pet hazards lurking in those colourful and festive decorations.
Let's dive into the list of plants that you should keep an extra eye on.
1. Poinsettia: Pretty but Paws Off
The iconic red and green leaves of poinsettias say Christmas, but did you know they can be harmful to animals? Ingesting poinsettia leaves may lead to mild irritation of the guts, causing drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and the milky white sap can cause skin or eye irritation if rubbed. While it's not as toxic as some other plants (it gets a bad rap but it's one of the more mild culprits), it's still best to keep these beauties out of the munching zone.
2. Holly: A Berry Bad Idea
Decking the halls with boughs of holly? Make sure those glossy green leaves and bright red berries (which are the most toxic part of the plant) stay well out of your pet's reach. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Usually, the signs are mild and pets recover uneventfully. To be safe, hang it high and out of reach.
3. Mistletoe: Not So Merry For Some
Mistletoe might be the tonic for stealing holiday smooches, but just make sure it stays out of paws reach.
Depending on the type, mistletoe can cause a range of symptoms from upset stomach to more severe issues. If a small amount is chomped on, mild signs like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain can be seen.
When large amounts are eaten the toxicity can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, collapse, seizures and death. Opt for artificial mistletoe if you want to keep that romantic tradition without putting your pet at risk.
4. Ivy: Climbing Up the Caution List
Ivy's trailing vines and lush leaves add a touch of festive greenery, but they can easily spell trouble for your pets (from toxins such as pentacyclic terpenoids and triterpenoid saponins if you must ask).
These compounds may cause digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) and, in some cases, more serious issues if consumed. Keep your home jungle pet-friendly by choosing non-toxic alternatives.
5. Potpourri: Pretty Scents, Hidden Dangers
A bowl of fragrant potpourri may seem harmless, but some varieties can contain toxic ingredients like essential oils or dried plants - the list is not short.
Liquid potpourri is particularly hazardous, as it can cause chemical burns if your pet comes into contact with it, causing respiratory or skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or depression.
Stick to pet-safe air fresheners or simmering pots with pet-friendly ingredients to keep your home smelling sweet.
In the yuletide spirit of pet-safe decorating, let's be mindful of the greenery we bring indoors. Keep these potential hazards in check, create safe spaces for them, and enjoy a hazard-free, vet visit-free holiday season.
Have you checked out our holiday toxins blog? 🐾🌿🎄
