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Pet-Safe Decorating 101: Holiday Plants to Keep Away from Your Pets


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Courtesy Ameruverse Digital Marketing Media via Pexels


The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and a festive atmosphere into our homes. As pet owners, it's crucial to ensure that our beloved cats and dogs are safe amid the holiday decorations. In this guide, we'll explore some popular holiday plants that can be toxic to pets, shedding light on potential dangers, and offering alternatives.


At Take a Pawse, I understand the importance of keeping your pets safe and happy during the holidays, and I'm here to help with the ins and outs of pet ownership, beyond just reliable pet care in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, CA. As we get closer to the holidays, remember that the following plants and your pets just shouldn't mix.


Poinsettias


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Courtesy Jeffry Surianto via Pexels


Also known as: Euphorbia, lobster flower, flame leaf flower, Flower of the Holy Night, Flower of Christmas Eve, Crown of the Andes, Easter flower


While Poinsettias are a classic holiday plant, they can be toxic to pets when ingested. The milky white sap contains compounds iterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents that may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation.


Safe Alternative: Opt for pet-friendly artificial plants or consider decorating with Christmas cacti. These colorful succulents are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and bunnies.



Mistletoe


Also known as: Phoradendron, Christmas yuletide plants


Mistletoe, particularly the American variety, can pose a serious threat to pets if ingested. Its berries contain compounds that are toxic and may lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting to more severe issues.


Safe Alternative: Choose artificial mistletoe made from non-toxic materials. You can find beautifully crafted alternatives that look just as appealing without posing a threat to your pets.



Holly


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Courtesy Suzy Hazelwood via Pexels


Also known as Ilex, English holly, Chinese holly, Japanese holly, saponins


Holly, with its vibrant red berries and glossy green leaves, is a staple in holiday decorations. However, the berries contain substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, more severe reactions.


Safe Alternative: Replace natural holly with artificial versions made from safe materials. Another option is to use pet-friendly decorations such as ribbons, bows, or felt ornaments.



Christmas Trees


Most common types: fir, spruce, and pine


Christmas trees, while not poisonous, can present various dangers to pets. Their leaves can be mildly toxic, but your pets would have to eat a lot of them to be truly toxic. Fir tree oils can irritate your pet's mouth and stomach, leading to excessive drooling or vomiting. Secure your tree to prevent tipping, avoid using chemical preservatives in the water, and opt for pet-safe decorations.


Safe Alternative: Opt for artificial trees made from pet-safe materials. If you prefer a real tree, ensure it is securely anchored to prevent tipping. Decorate with pet-friendly ornaments, avoiding small, breakable items that could be harmful if ingested.



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Additional Tips:


  • Pet-Safe Ornaments: Choose ornaments made from non-breakable materials like fabric, wood, or plastic. Keep ornaments with tiny, easily breakable pieces away from your pets. This reduces the risk of injury if your pet decides to investigate the tree.

  • Pet-Approved Lights: Use pet-friendly LED lights instead of traditional ones. LED lights emit less heat, reducing the risk of burns if your pet comes in contact with them. You can also try battery operated lights and hide the box in the tree to limit availability of cords for them to chew.


  • Scent or Flame-Free Candles: If you enjoy candles for ambiance, opt for flameless or pet-safe candles to eliminate the risk of burns or ingestion of harmful substances

  • Lock the Decor Away: If you happen to have a particularly sneaky pet, keeping your decorations behind a gate or in a closed-off room might be a good idea too.


As you deck the halls this holiday season, keep in mind the potential hazards that certain plants pose to your furry friends. At Take a Pawse, I'm committed to ensuring the well-being of your pets. If you're in Morgan Hill or Gilroy, California, and need a reliable pet sitter, trust me to provide personalized and caring services for your cats, dogs, and bunnies. Enjoy the holidays worry-free, knowing that your pets are in good hands. Contact Take a Pawse today for professional and compassionate pet sitting services!


Happy Holidays!


XO

Jessica





Works Cited

Are Christmas Trees Toxic to Cats?. PetMD. (n.d.). https://www.petmd.com/cat/are-christmas-trees-toxic-cats



Mistletoe. Pet Poison Helpline. (2020b, March 3). https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/mistletoe/


Poinsettia. Pet Poison Helpline. (2022, July 28). https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/poinsettia/


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