At this time of year, it is not uncommon to see poinsettia plants placed decoratively in churches, stores, restaurants and homes. Symbolic flower of Christmas, much like the Easter lily, the poinsettia appears everywhere. But, rumor has it that this plant is dangerous for your pets.
How true is this rumor?
The poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as lobster flower, flame leaf flower, holy night flower and Christmas Eve flower, has long been known to be incredibly toxic to pets. However, although these red flowering plants are poisonous, they are not as poisonous as one might have previously thought.
These plants are only slightly toxic to cats and dogs.
“The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and poisoning is common. greatly exaggerated,” he wrote. Pet Poison Helpline.
If swallowed, slight signs of vomiting, drooling or, rarely, diarrhea may be observed. If the milky sap is exposed to the skin, skin irritation (including redness, swelling and itching) may develop,” Pet Poison Helpline continued.
In some cases, eye exposure in pets may cause mild irritation.
Poinsettia flowers are made up of bracts, which look like flower petals, and small yellow flowers in the center, called cyathiums. The colorful bracts attract insects to the smaller, inner flowers and will fall off after pollination, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.
Poinsettia plants are not harmful to animal or human health, but they should not be eaten. Additionally, the sticky white sap that can cause irritation in pets can also cause rashes in humans. That said, gloves are recommended when working with these plants and you should avoid contact with the eyes and mouth, the University of Minnesota extension continued.
Generally, only mild symptoms appear in pets upon ingestion or contact. Although rarely necessary, contacting your local veterinarian is always a safe thing to do.
the American Kennel Club agree that poinsettia plants are a mildly poisonous plant and should be used with caution, but the potential dangers are almost never serious or fatal
“Although medical treatment is rarely necessary when a dog ingests a leaf from a poinsettia plant, you should contact your veterinarian if clinical signs appear in your dog,” states the American Kennel Club.
The holidays are full of celebrations and festive treats; However, there are several lethal plants and foods for pets.
Four Food-Related Items Found On Vacation That Pets Shouldn’t Ingest, According To VCA Veterinary Hospitals are:
- Any food containing grapes, raisins and currants (such as fruitcakes, breads and cookies) is dangerous. Ingestion of these can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
- Alcohol should not be consumed. Your pet’s ingestion of alcohol can cause signs such as ataxia (difficulty walking), disorientation, changes in blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar levels. In addition to the risks associated with ingesting alcohol, when consumed, raw dough can expand in your pet’s stomach and can lead to bloating, which can be life-threatening.
- Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine. Ingestion of small amounts may cause vomiting and diarrhea, with cardiovascular and neurological changes possible with large amounts of ingestion. The specific risk to your pet depends on the amount injected, the type of chocolate and the size of your pet. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a concern even in cases where poisoning is not anticipated.
- Many sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of xylitol can lead to a life-threatening decrease in blood sugar as well as liver failure. In addition, leftover fatty meat can produce severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
As for poisonous plants, although poinsettias are only mildly poisonous and generally do not cause life-threatening symptoms in pets, the American Kennel Club has created a list of common holiday and Christmas plants that are dangerous for dogs. These include:
Sarah Claire McDonald is a duty reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She specializes in writing unique, audience-focused stories that highlight people, places and events in the Lowcountry. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah Claire studied news media, communication and English at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, where she graduated in 2021.
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