Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant. Have you banned them from your home because you have heard that poinsettias are deadly to pets?
Poinsettias have gotten a bad rap when it comes to pets.
The toxic potential of this plant has become highly exaggerated over the years. In reality, poinsettias are only mildly toxic (if at all) to dogs and cats. Poinsettia ingestion typically produces only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Keeping this plant out of reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, but it is not necessary to banish the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal exposure. If you suspect your pet has eaten a poinsettia and is displaying concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
There are other holiday bouquets that are far more worrisome than poinsettias. Lilies, holly and mistletoe are three popular ones to watch out for. Lilies are the #1 flower used by florists.
Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats. Inspect your holiday bouquets thoroughly.
If holly is ingested by dogs or cats, it can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Mistletoe is best kept out of your pet's reach as it can cause hypotention, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death if consumed in large amounts.
Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/poinsettia
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
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