Holiday decorating often brings greenery and cheer into our homes, but some festive plants can pose serious risks to our animal companions. Our staff at Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale loves the way seasonal décor brings warmth to your home. However, we want to make sure it doesn’t bring danger to your pet, too. Whether you’re adding poinsettias to the porch or bringing in a live tree, here’s what you need to know to keep your pet safe all season long.

Holiday Plants That Can Harm Pets

While beautiful, many plants associated with the holiday season are toxic to dogs and cats if swallowed. Some of these plants are only mildly toxic, but if you want to be safe, it’s best to just get fake alternatives or keep the toxic plants way out of reach of dogs and cats. For more on specific plants, visit the toxic plant guide from the ASPCA.

Poinsettias

Perhaps the most recognized holiday flower, poinsettias often get a bad reputation. Poinsettias aren’t great, but they’re not as deadly as some pet owners think.

Risk: Mildly toxic. Swallowing poinsettias can cause drooling, nausea, or vomiting in pets. These flowers may irritate the mouth or stomach.

Keep It Safe: Place poinsettias out of reach and discourage nibbling.

Mistletoe

This classic holiday greenery is far more dangerous for pets.

Risk: Highly toxic. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even seizures or a drop in blood pressure in cats and dogs.

Keep It Safe: Avoid mistletoe altogether or opt for an artificial version.

Holly

Spiky and festive, holly is a common addition to wreaths and garlands.

Risk: Moderately toxic. Holly can cause vomiting, drooling, and depression. In some cases, the sharp leaves can also damage a pet’s digestive tract.

Keep It Safe: Keep holly décor out of reach or choose faux greenery.

Christmas Trees

While not typically toxic, needles can pose a physical danger if swallowed.

Risk: Mildly toxic. Eating Christmas tree needles may cause gastrointestinal upset or block the digestive tract. Tree water is often more dangerous than the tree itself, as it can harbor bacteria or fertilizers.

Keep It Safe: Block access to tree water and sweep fallen needles frequently.

Lilies

Lilies are beautiful in a holiday bouquet, but incredibly dangerous to cats.

Risk: Extremely toxic to cats. Even small exposures to lilies can lead to kidney failure in feline pets.

Keep It Safe: Avoid lilies entirely if you have cats in your home.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxic Plant

If your pet chews or swallows a questionable plant:

• Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth and take the plant away.
• Contact a veterinarian for emergency services.
• If you’re not sure whether your pet needs to be seen urgently, you can call Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. There will be a consultation fee, but they will let you know whether a trip to an emergency vet is needed.
• Try to identify the plant (a photo helps!) so that the vet can provide the correct treatment plan.

Important Tip: Never try to make your pet vomit unless told to do so by a veterinary professional.

Veterinary Treatment for Pet Toxins in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Your home can be both festive and pet-friendly this holiday season. With a little awareness and some simple swaps, you can enjoy the beauty of holiday plants without the emergency vet visit. Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale has emergency services for pets in Fort Lauderdale, including dogs and cats from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and neighboring Florida areas. Call us at Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale during business hours when your animal companion needs quick care.