At Christmas, plants are given as gifts to bring joy.

Problem: many plants given as Christmas gifts are toxic to dogs and cats .
According to veterinary poison control centers, plant poisonings account for approximately 20 to 25% of emergency calls during the holidays .

Yes. A plant can ruin Christmas. Without even losing its leaves.

The poinsettia: the dangerous (but not deadly) star

Nicknamed the Christmas star , it is everywhere… and often chewed.

• Mouth and stomach irritation

• Vomiting, excessive salivation

📊 In December, the poinsettia was among the top 5 plants involved in veterinary calls .
Good news: rarely fatal.
Bad news: your rug might not survive .

Holly: pretty, prickly, poisonous

Its small red berries attract the eye… and sometimes the mouth.

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Possible neurological disorders

📊 Holly berries are responsible for many cases of digestive poisoning in curious dogs , especially puppies who eat anything that doesn't move.

Mistletoe: romantic for us, poison for them

We kiss underneath.
They fall ill.

• Severe digestive problems

• Heart rate slowing

• Hypotension

📊 For cats, mistletoe is one of the most dangerous plants , even in small quantities.

Amaryllis and hyacinths: beautiful… but treacherous

Very popular at Christmas, very toxic.

• Severe vomiting

• Tremors

• Heart problems

⚠️ The bulbs are the most toxic part , and also the easiest to dig up.
📊 A significant proportion of severe plant poisonings in dogs are linked to the ingestion of decorative bulbs.

The fir tree (yes, it again)

Even without decorations, it poses a problem.

• Irritating or piercing needles

• Foot water = bacteria + chemicals

📊 Approximately 1 in 5 digestive consultations in cats in December are related to the fir tree (needles or water).

🐾 Why are they eating that?

Because :

• this is new

• It smells strange

• It's at nose height.

• and they have no sense of botanical danger

How to avoid plant disaster

✔️ Keep plants out of reach
✔️ Avoid poisonous plants if you have pets
✔️ Never leave fallen leaves or berries lying around
✔️ If in doubt: don't wait, call a veterinarian