WARNING
HOLIDAY PET SAFETY TIPS: DECK THE HALLS (BUT DO IT
SAFELY, PLEASE)
For many of us, ’tis the season to
decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery.
But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be
hazardous to the health of your companion animals? Our experts at
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have some tips to help keep
the season bright—and your pets safe.
ATTENTION,
PET OWNERS! DECK THE HALLS—BUT DO IT SAFELY,
PLEASE
For many of us,
'tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and
holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide
traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s
health?
*
Lovely lilies are
commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many
varieties—including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the
Casa Blanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
* Bag the boughs of
holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your
holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he
could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or
plastic.
*
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause
stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for
bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should
he imbibe.
* Although the potential toxicity of
poinsettias is
generally overstated, these showy holiday plants can irritate your
pet’s mouth, and may cause nausea and/or mild
vomiting.
Holiday Pet Safety Tip: The Final Word on
Poinsettias
ASPCA
HOLIDAY SAFETY ALERT: THE FINAL WORD ON
POINSETTIAS
Attention, poinsettia-loving pet owners! You need not fear this
festive holiday plant—rumors of its toxic potential are greatly
exaggerated, say ASPCA experts.
As our toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
(APCC) explain, poinsettias were first brought to the United States
in the 1820s by J. Robert Poinsett, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
at the time. The myth of the plant’s toxicity began when the
two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer allegedly died from
eating a poinsettia leaf.
Says the APCC’s Dana B. Farbman, CVT, “In reality, ingestions
typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract
irritation in pets, which may include drooling, vomiting and
diarrhea.” So while it’s still a good idea to keep this plant out
of your pets’ reach to avoid stomach upset, you need not banish it
from your homes.
For additional holiday safety tips, please visit
ASPCA online
If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially
toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for
round-the-clock telephone assistance.
For more poison prevention tips, please visit
ASPCA online.