Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Here's how toxic the holiday plant is

The Christmas season has already begun this year, and everyone is busy decking up the halls of their home with trees and embellishments. Apart from floral arrangements, many also use colourful plants, and one of them is the poinsettias, which are culturally linked to Mexico.

The cultural significance

The plants are linked to a Christmas tale in Mexico about a girl who brought weeds to church, which miraculously turned into bright red flowers. However, these plants might look harmless, but they could pose problems for your pets—both cats and dogs.

Why are poinsettias toxic?

Poinsettias are toxic to both humans and pets, but they are only mildly toxic and not as dangerous as they are to animals. According to the American Kennel Club, the plant has a latex sap—a milky white compound that causes skin irritation. If the sap is touched by humans, it can lead to mild skin irritation, eye irritation, or stomach upset, and it harms the pets by causing drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. If the plant is chewed on or eaten by dogs, it leads to poisoning, but severe poisoning is rare.

The plants contain chemical components that are similar to wash detergents.

However, it is not very harmful, and if you still decide to use the plants for holiday decoration, try to keep them out of reach for your pets.

Apart from poinsettias, there are also other plants and flowers that are toxic to pets. Be mindful while using them, as they might be less toxic when compared to poison but can cause health hazards in the long term.

Treatment

If your dog or cat accidentally eats the poinsettias, no need to panic. As it is mildly toxic, it will create gastrointestinal upset and will resolve on its own in a while. But, if the dogs vomit more than twice or have diarrhea, it is necessary to take it to the vet and keep them under medication.

Plants and flowers that dogs are allergic to:

Peace lily, Calla lily, Amaryllis, Balsam, Pine, Cedar, Autumn Crocus, Palm Lily, Holly.