Poinsettias: these are the most common and popular festive plants and are very popular gifts and decorations.
These plants are not as toxic as everyone thinks they are, the idea dates back almost a century, when an urban legend claimed a toddler died after eating a leaf from on of these plants. According to Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA, these plants are not that lethal.
The sap does contain diterpenoid euphorbol esters and caponin-like detergents, chemicals that when ingested may cause vomiting, drooling or diarrhea. Skin reactions such as redness, swelling, and itching may also occur. If your pet did eat this plant, they would get mildly ill, but it wont kill them.
Mistletoe: Some sources say European mistletoe is more toxic than American Mistletoe's and vise versa. The ASPCA warns that mistletoe can also cause erratic behavior, a dangerously low heart rate and possibly even cardiovascular collapse.
The glycoprotein lectins that mistletoe produces can cause cell death by hindering protein synthesis in the body.
Whatever you have heard about mistletoe, be on caution and keep it out of reach for your pet.
Holly and Ivy: From english and European holly to winterberry and American holly, they are have some sort of toxicity. The berries are mildly poisonous, but consumption of the whole plant can do damage to your pets digestive system. Part of this is due to the spiny points on the leaves, which can cause iritation to the stomach and intestines, but the plants also contain toxic saponins, methyxanthines and cyanogens that lead to serious GI upset.
Like Holly, the ivy family has many different varieties, but they also contain toxins that can harm your pet. Even if dropped leaves are dead, be sure to pick these up. Vomiting, diarrhea, GI pain, and salivation are signs of ivy toxicity.
Amaryllis: These striking plans are a favorite with many indoor gardeners, especially at this time of year. These bulb-grown plants contain naturally-occurring chemicals such as lycorine that can be toxic to your pet.
The bulb itself is the most poisonous, but other parts of the plant can also cause reactions if ingested. Along with GI upset, amaryllis may cause drooling, depression and tremors. Put this plant on a high shelf away from your pet.
Christmas cactus: This is probably the safer holiday plant. The ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic to pets.
Still allow for caution, some people have reported that they pets have become slightly ill, while others say their pets have ate the entire plant with no upsets.
Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 6 www.animalwellnessmagazine.com
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