Now that Christmas is just around the corner, it is time to get the Christmas tree out and start decorating. Did you know that certain holiday plants, such as the Mistletoe and Holly are poisonous to pets? What about the most famous holiday plant, the Christmas tree?  We worry too much about our pets knocking the tree down or tearing into the presents, but we don’t worry about if our pets decide to nibble on the Christmas tree.

Christmas trees are considered mildly toxic and consuming the tree’s needles can be very dangerous for your pets. The tree oils can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, which causes excessive drooling or vomiting. The tree needles are not easily digestible either; possibly causing GI irritation, vomiting, or puncture. Even though this refers to “live” trees, artificial trees can be dangerous to animals as well. The major thing to worry about is the toxin release from the artificial material.

Other holiday plants that are poisonous to pets are the Poinsetta Plant (which can cause nausea or vomiting but not death), Mistletoe and Holly (considered very toxic and if your pet eats these, it is recommended to call poison control immediately), and lastly – although not really Christmas flowers, Lilies and Daffodils (these plants are very toxic to cats and cause gastrointestinal distress, cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure, convulsions, and death).

Some tips for making sure your pet does not consume the Christmas tree is to confine your pets away from the tree when you are not home. If your pet has chewed on the Christmas tree or other holiday plants, watch for any changes in behavior (excessive licking, salivating), appetite, activity, water consumption, vomiting, and diarrhea. Make sure to monitor your pets interest in the plants and if you are unsure about a plant, look it up.