It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for many of us, that means bringing a little extra greenery into the house. Christmas trees, festive wreaths, poinsettias and holiday bouquets all help make things feel a little more seasonal.
But if you share your home with a curious dog or cat, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s coming through the front door.
Some holiday plants can cause mild stomach upset, while others can be much more dangerous, particularly for cats. And because many plants are used in bouquets and decorative arrangements, you might not always know exactly what’s included.
Let’s take a look at some common holiday plants, what makes them a concern, and a few alternatives to consider.
Holiday Plants to Keep Away From Pets
1. Lilies: A Serious Concern for Cats
If there’s one plant we really want cat parents to know about, it’s lilies.
Certain types of lilies, including Easter, Asiatic, Oriental and tiger lilies, are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small exposure can cause acute kidney injury.
And it isn’t just eating the flower that’s dangerous. Leaves, petals, pollen and even the water in the vase can pose a risk.
Cats can also pick up pollen on their fur and ingest it while grooming.
Our recommendation: If you have cats, keep true lilies out of your home entirely. Be particularly careful with mixed bouquets, as lilies can sometimes be tucked into arrangements without being immediately obvious.
If your cat may have been exposed to a true lily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop.
One important distinction: not every plant with “lily” in its name is a true lily. Peace lilies, for example, cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract but don’t cause the same kidney damage. When in doubt, identify the exact plant.
2. Holly
Holly is a classic Christmas decoration, with its glossy green leaves and bright red berries.
Unfortunately, those berries can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten, including vomiting and diarrhea. The pointed leaves can also irritate your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
The berries are particularly tempting for curious pets, especially when they dry out and fall onto the floor.
Our recommendation: Keep fresh holly arrangements, wreaths and loose berries well out of reach, or choose an artificial alternative.
3. Mistletoe
Mistletoe might be a holiday decorating staple, but it isn’t something we’d want our pets nibbling on.
Toxicity depends on the variety, but ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Larger amounts can lead to more serious effects, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure, weakness and neurological signs.
Our recommendation: Artificial mistletoe is an easy way to keep the festive look without the plant-related risk.
4. Amaryllis
Amaryllis is popular around Christmas, especially the varieties grown from large bulbs that produce beautiful red, white or pink flowers.
While the blooms are lovely, the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxic compounds. If eaten, amaryllis can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal discomfort and changes in appetite. Larger exposures can cause more serious symptoms, including tremors.
Our recommendation: Keep amaryllis bulbs and plants somewhere pets cannot access, particularly if you have a cat who likes investigating plants.
5. Poinsettias
Poinsettias have quite the reputation when it comes to pet safety, but they’re generally less dangerous than many people believe.
Their milky sap can irritate the mouth and stomach, potentially causing drooling, vomiting or diarrhea if chewed or eaten.
They’re not usually considered highly toxic, and severe poisoning is uncommon. Still, they’re not exactly a snack we’d encourage.
Our recommendation: You don’t necessarily need to panic if you have a poinsettia in your home, but keeping it out of reach is sensible, especially with pets who like to sample houseplants.
6. Yew
Yew is sometimes used in holiday wreaths and greenery arrangements, but it’s one to take seriously.
Yew contains toxic compounds called taxines that can affect the heart. Ingestion can cause serious poisoning, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities.
Our recommendation: Avoid bringing yew into pet-accessible areas of your home. If you’re buying fresh greenery or a wreath, ask what plants have been used and make sure yew isn’t included.
What About Christmas Trees?
Real Christmas trees are another thing worth thinking about, especially if you have pets who like to investigate everything.
Pine, fir and spruce trees aren’t generally considered highly toxic, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely risk-free.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Pine needles: If chewed or swallowed, needles can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. They can also cause injury or become lodged in the digestive system.
- Tree water: Water sitting in the tree stand can collect bacteria and may contain preservatives or additives. It’s best not to let pets drink from it.
- Tree sap and oils: These can cause irritation or stomach upset if chewed or ingested.
- Fallen branches: Keep an eye out for loose needles and small branches that curious pets may decide to investigate.
Cats can be particularly interested in climbing Christmas trees, while dogs may be tempted to drink from the tree stand or investigate anything that falls.
A sturdy tree stand, a covered water reservoir and regular clean-up of fallen needles can help reduce the risks.
Are There Any Holiday Plants That Are Safer?
Absolutely! If you love having a little greenery around the house, there are some alternatives generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats.
A few options include:
- Christmas cactus: A festive flowering plant that is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats.
- Orchids: A lovely option for adding colour without the same toxicity concerns as many traditional holiday plants.
- Roses: A beautiful alternative for holiday bouquets. Just remember that thorns can still cause injury.
- Artificial greenery: Sometimes the simplest option, especially if you have a particularly curious cat or a dog who thinks every decoration is a chew toy.
One thing to remember: non-toxic doesn’t necessarily mean edible. Any plant material can cause stomach upset if a pet eats enough of it, and artificial plants can create their own problems if pieces are chewed off and swallowed.
It’s always worth checking the exact plant species before bringing something new into your home.
What If Your Pet Eats a Holiday Plant?
If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, don’t wait to see whether symptoms develop.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic for advice. If you know what your pet ate, take a photo of the plant or bring a sample along so it can be identified.
Avoid trying to make your pet vomit or giving home remedies unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.
Watch for signs such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual behaviour
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weakness or difficulty walking
- Changes in breathing
The signs can vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested. With certain exposures, particularly true lilies in cats, veterinary attention is urgent even before symptoms appear.
It’s also a good idea to save your regular veterinarian’s number and the number of a nearby emergency clinic before the holiday closures begin.
A Little Holiday Preparation Goes a Long Way
We don’t want anyone to feel like they need to give up decorating for the holidays because they have pets. A little awareness goes a long way.
Before bringing home a festive bouquet, wreath or new houseplant, take a moment to identify what’s included. Remember that some arrangements contain several different plant varieties, and not all of them are pet-friendly.
And if you’re ever unsure, artificial greenery is always an option.
We want everyone, two-legged and four-legged, to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.
From all of us at Poochie Moochie, happy decorating and happy holidays! 🤎
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your pet may have ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.