At Christmas, we give plants to please.

Problem: many plants given at Christmas 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 spoil Christmas. Without even losing its leaves.

Poinsettia: the dangerous (but not deadly) star

Nicknamed Christmas star, it's everywhere... and often chewed on.

• Irritation of the mouth and stomach

• Vomiting, excessive salivation

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

Holly: pretty, prickly, toxic

Its small red berries catch 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 everything that doesn't move.

Mistletoe: romantic for us, poison for them

We kiss under it.
They get sick.

• Severe digestive disorders

• Slowed heart rate

• 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.

• Intense vomiting

• Tremors

• Cardiac disorders

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

The Christmas tree (yes, him again)

Even without decorations, it poses a problem.

• Irritating or piercing needles

• Tree stand water = bacteria + chemicals

📊 Approximately 1 in 5 digestive consultations in December for cats is related to the Christmas tree (needles or water).

🐾 Why do they eat that?

Because:

• it's new

• it smells strange

• it's at nose level

• and they have no sense of botanical danger

How to avoid plant-related drama

✔️ Place plants out of reach
✔️ Avoid toxic plants if you have pets
✔️ Never leave fallen leaves or berries lying around
✔️ When in doubt: don't wait, call a vet