Holy cristmas day is just knocking the door.The holiday season has begun and all those wonderful holiday plants are arriving in local greenhouses, garden centers and retail stores.Holiday decorations often include flowers and shrubs. Unfortunately, while these items are pretty, many of the most popular are toxic to humans or pets.Cold weather and the holiday season can be hazardous to pets.It is noted that any plant, even non-toxic plants can cause coughing or choking, or stomach upset when swallowed.Here is a list of popular holiday plants and their toxic effects:
Poinsettia Plants (christmas flower) :
You know about Poinsettias.The ancient Aztecs (the Mexican Indians) prized the Poinsettia as a symbol of purity. Centuries later, Mexico's early Christians adopted the Poinsettias as their prized Christmas flowers. The Mexican Poinsettia, known as the Christmas Flower in North America, is used in most Christmas decorations.
They are tropical plants, originating in southern Mexico and Central America. Introduced in the United States by our first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, the poinsettia has become the traditional Christmas plant. They are available in red, pink, gold, white and variegated colors.Poinsettia euphorbia Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias have been considered safe for the holiday home since the 1970's. Eating several leaves can give you a stomach ache, and the sap can cause skin rash.It is noted that any plant, even non-toxic plants can cause coughing or choking, or stomach upset when swallowed.
Pines, Spruces, Balsam and Firs (Christmas trees and greens):
These coniferous trees are commonly found in homes at holiday time. They may be harmful, if ingested in very large amounts. Ingestion of small amounts may result in varying degrees of localized irritation and gastrointestinal upset and a primary concern would be aspiration or airway obstruction. Pine cones are not toxic, although contact dermatitis may result from handling.The sap may cause an itchy skin rash. Christmas trees are a bigger fire danger than poison danger.
Holly, Mistletoe, Jerusalem Cherry and Bittersweet :
These are all poisonous holiday plants and should not be located where children can reach them. Watch for dried berries that may have fallen to the floor.
Holly:
The stiff green leaves and bright red berries are extremely attractive to children.Eating 1 or 2 berries should be OK. More than 2 berries can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Holly berries are significantly poisonous, ingestion of 20 berries can mean death to a child.
Mistletoe:
The berries, leaves, and stem are all considered toxic.Mistletoe phoradendron All parts of mistletoe contain toxins. If ingested, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. According to California Poison Control, one to two berries or leaves eaten by a child will NOT result in serious harm. If you hang mistletoe in your home during the holidays, place it in a piece of netting or a plastic sandwich bag to prevent leaves and berries from dropping to the ground where kids and pets can eat them.Contact the Poison Center if ingestion of any amount occurs.
Jerusalem Cherry:
This plant contains bright orange to scarlet colored berries. The entire plant is toxic.Ingestion can cause vomiting, skin redness, drowsiness or restlessness, and hallucinations.Seizures are possible, but rare.
Bittersweet:
All parts of this plant are considered toxic. The unripe berries contain the highest concentration of Solanine, which cause heart rate below 60, sedation, and headaches
Rosary Pea or Jequirity Bean:
These berries are very dangerous. They can be swallowed whole, but can be life-threatening if they are chewed prior to swallowing. Vomiting and abdominal pain occurs within a few hours after swallowing, followed by bloody diarrhea.
Non-Toxic plants to give this holiday season:
*African violets
*Boston Fern
*Christmas Cactus
*Coleus
*Jade
*Snake plants
*Spider plants
*Wandering Jew
*Wax plant
Awareness for Pet :
*Keep your pet away from holiday chocolates, which contain methylxanthines, theobromine and caffeine, all toxic to pets. Less than 1 oz of milk chocolate per pound body weight can cause clinical signs including vomiting, depression, lethargy, muscular tremors, diuresis, diarrhea, and death. Baking chocolate is even more concentrated.
*Cats often get into car engines for warmth. Knock on the hood or honk the horn before starting the engine.
*Outdoor dogs and cats need shelter out of the cold and wind. Bring pets in if the weather conditions become severe.
*Alcoholic beverages, holiday goodies such as chocolates, and meat from poultry, fish and pork can be harmful to pets -- even toxic.
*Holiday plants including Christmas rose, mistletoe, holly and philodendron are toxic to pets. For example, only 1 to 2 mistletoe berries can be fatal. Keep these plants out of your pets' reach. Possible ingestion must be taken seriously and immediate medical attention is recommended.
*Some Christmas tree extenders contain nitrites or nitrates, chemicals that can cause oral and intestinal ulceration.
*Ice, salt, and mud need to be removed from your pet's paws and coat. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white, or gray and it may be scaly or sloughing. Seek immediate veterinarian assistance if you suspect your pet has frostbite.
*Holiday decorations can be dangerous to pets. Items such as tinsel, glass ornaments, spray-on snow, foil or plastic wrappings should be kept out of reach of your pet.
*Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even the smallest amount can kill them. Close containers tightly and store them away from pets. Clean up any spills at once. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect any consumption
*Everyone enjoys eating this time of year, but that doesn't mean it is appropriate to share all our treats with our pets. Keep pets on their regular diets to avoid stomach upset from rich foods, pancreatitis from fatty treats, and weight gain from excessive calories.
*Keep fresh, clean water available at all times for your pet.
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