Are poinsettias poisonous to animals or is that all hype? What SC pet owners need to know
Around this time of year, it’s not uncommon to see poinsettia plants decoratively placed in churches, stores, restaurants and homes. A symbolic Christmas flower, much like the lily is for Easter, the poinsettia is seemingly everywhere. But, this plant has been rumored to be dangerous for your pets.
How true is this rumor?
The poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also called the lobster flower, flame leaf flower, Flower of the Holy Night and Flower of Christmas Eve, has long been known as being incredibly toxic to pets. However, although these red floral plants are toxic, they are not as much as you might have been led to previously believe.
These plants are only mildly poisonous 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 the poisoning is greatly exaggerated,” wrote Pet Poison Helpline.
“When ingested, mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely, diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop,” Pet Poison Helpline continued.
In some instances, eye exposure in pets can potentially result in some mild irritation.
Poinsettia flowers are made up of bracts, which are what we think look like flower petals, and small yellow flowers in the center, which are called cyathia. The colorful bracts are what attract insects to the small, inner flowers and will drop 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 a skin rash in humans. This being so, gloves are recommended when working with these plants and you should avoid contact with eyes and mouth, the University of Minnesota Extension continued.
Generally, only mild symptoms appear in pets upon ingestion or contact. Although it rarely may be necessary, contacting your local veterinarian is always a safe thing to do.
The American Kennel Club agrees that poinsettia plants are a mildly toxic plant and should be used and with caution, but the potential dangers are hardly ever serious or fatal
“While 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,” the American Kennel Club states.
The holidays are full of celebrations and festive treats; however, there are several plants and foods that are deadly for pets to ingest.
Four food-related items found around the holidays that pets should not ingest, according to VCA Animal Hospitals are:
- Any food that contains grapes, raisins, and currants (such as fruit cakes, breads, and cookies) are dangerous. Ingestion of these can result in kidney failure in dogs.
- Alcohol should not be consumed. Ingestion of alcohol by your pet can cause signs including ataxia (difficulty walking), disorientation, changes in blood pressure, and abnormal blood sugar levels. In addition to the risks associated with alcohol ingestion, when consumed, raw dough can expand in your pet’s stomach and can result in bloat, which may be life threatening.
- Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine. Ingestion in small amounts may cause vomiting and diarrhea, with cardiovascular and neurologic changes possible with large ingestion quantities. The specific risk to your pet depends on the amount ingested, type of chocolate and size of your pet. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a concern even in cases where poisoning is not expected.
- Many sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods contain xylitol, a natural sweetener which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of xylitol may result in a life-threatening decrease in blood sugar as well as liver failure. In addition, leftover fatty meat scraps 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 toxic and will generally not cause life-threatening symptoms in pets, the American Kennel Club created a list of common holiday and Christmas plants that are dangerous to dogs. These include:
Peace lily
Calla lily
Amaryllis
Lily of the Valley
Autumn Crocus
Giant Dracaena
Palm Lily
Holly – the berry and leaf
Mistletoe
