Keeping Your Pets Safe: Toxic Winter Holiday Plants

 

The winter holiday season is the time to decorate your home and create a festive atmosphere, and plants are often a part of this holiday décor. While they certainly add beauty, many of them can be toxic to our furry friends. As you prepare for this time of year, keep in mind these toxic winter holiday plants so you can keep your pets safe.

Mistletoe

A traditional holiday plant often used for decoration and holiday kissing, mistletoe is a symbol of love and peace. Unfortunately, it can be quite toxic to our pets. The berries on the mistletoe plant contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and when eaten in large amounts, heart failure. Make sure to keep this plant out of reach of your pets.

Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree is the most iconic symbol of the winter holidays, but even they can pose a threat to pets. The needles on a live Christmas tree are very sharp and can cause irritation or even puncture your pet’s digestive tract if they swallow them. The water in the base of the Christmas tree can also be toxic if it has chemicals in it to keep the tree fresh. If you choose a live tree, be extra cautious.

Poinsettia

The beautiful poinsettia plant is a staple in many households during the winter holiday season. The leaves of the poinsettia contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling in your pets. Make sure to keep these far out of reach.

Conclusion

As you prepare for the holiday season, keep in mind the potential dangers of some of your favorite winter plants. It’s important that you keep them out of the reach of your pets and keep a careful eye on them. If your pet does happen to ingest any of these plants, seek medical attention immediately. Let’s keep our four-legged friends safe and healthy this winter holiday.

Heroman Services is the leading Interior Landscaping firm along the Gulf Coast. We provide personalized designs, installations, horticultural services, and maintenance programs for hundreds of prestigious clients across the South.

Heroman Services Plant Company, LLC
3601 N. Davis Hwy
Pensacola, FL 32503
(850) 936-6969
https://heromanservices.com