The holiday season is full of festive cheer, beautiful decorations, and fragrant greenery. While decking the halls is a wonderful way to celebrate, some common holiday plants can pose risks to your furry friends. At Trendy Dog Boutique, we’re all about keeping your pups safe and happy year-round, so here’s a guide to holiday plants you should avoid and pet-friendly alternatives.
1. Poinsettias
A holiday favorite, poinsettias bring a pop of red to your decor. However, their milky white sap can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach if ingested, causing mild nausea or vomiting. While they’re not highly toxic, it’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pups.
Safer Alternative: Opt for silk or fabric poinsettias for a festive yet worry-free touch.
2. Mistletoe
Sharing a kiss under the mistletoe might be romantic, but this plant is dangerous for dogs. Mistletoe contains substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, or even more severe symptoms like seizures.
Safer Alternative: Faux mistletoe lets you keep the tradition alive without putting your pup at risk.
3. Holly
The bright red berries and glossy green leaves of holly are a classic holiday decoration. Unfortunately, they’re also toxic to dogs. Ingesting holly can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort.
Safer Alternative: Use holly-inspired decor made from safe materials like wood or felt.
4. Christmas Trees (Pine Needles and Water)
While Christmas trees themselves are not highly toxic, their needles can irritate your dog’s mouth or cause gastrointestinal blockages if eaten in large amounts. Additionally, the water at the base of the tree often contains fertilizers or preservatives that can harm your pet if they take a drink.
Tips for Safety:
- Keep your tree water covered with a pet-safe barrier.
- Regularly vacuum fallen needles to avoid accidental ingestion.
5. Amaryllis
Amaryllis plants are popular gifts during the holidays, thanks to their striking red and white flowers. However, these plants are toxic to dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.
Safer Alternative: Choose non-toxic plants like spider plants or Boston ferns for a green touch.
6. Lilies
Although more commonly associated with Easter, some varieties of lilies make their way into holiday arrangements. Lilies are extremely toxic to dogs, leading to severe digestive distress or worse if consumed.
Safer Alternative: Stick to safe blooms like roses, daisies, or orchids for your floral displays.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Into a Dangerous Plant
If your pup gets a little too curious about a holiday plant, act quickly:
- Assess the Situation: Remove any plant remnants from your dog’s mouth and note the type of plant ingested.
- Contact Your Vet or Poison Control: Provide as much information as possible, including the amount ingested and your dog’s weight.
For emergencies, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Festive and Safe Holiday Decor for Your Pup
There’s no need to forgo festive decor to keep your dog safe. Choose pet-friendly options like fabric garlands, twinkling lights (with cords secured), and non-toxic artificial plants. By making thoughtful choices, you can create a magical holiday home that’s safe for every member of the family—including the four-legged ones!
From all of us at Trendy Dog Boutique, happy holidays and tail wags!!🐾