Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?
As the holiday season rolls around, it's only natural that houses become flooded with colorful decorations. However, some of these decorations can be living holiday plants such as pine trees, holly, and the poinsettia plant - those colorful red and green bushes. However, are these poinsettias a danger to your furry friend? Should you be on the lookout for them?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your dog’s specific health needs, or if you suspect they may have pancreatitis or any other medical condition. Do not administer medications, change your dog’s diet, or delay seeking veterinary care based on this information.
Key Takeaways
Poinsettias are mildly toxic to dogs, but severe symptoms are rare. Most poisoning cases can be handled at home, but poinsettia plants should still be kept out of reach.
Table of Contents
Identifying a Poinsettia
A Poinsettia plant is one of the many common holiday plants that get bought at the end of the year. Their Latin name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, and they are typically a medium-sized bush with large, pointy leaves. They are known for their vibrant red flowers that resemble leaves.
They contain a milky white sap found in their leaves and stems that can cause mild irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. Many people believe that they are highly toxic. So are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?
Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs
Poinsettia poisoning normally occurs when your dog has eaten a part of the poinsettia plant that contains the sap. Sometimes the poinsettia plant can cause mild symptoms such as a rash or slight digestive irritation.
But overall, it is a common misconception that this festive plant is highly toxic and deadly, but in reality, poinsettia poisoning typically only produces mild signs. While it's still good to be careful around them, your dog is unlikely to get seriously ill.
Dog Christmas Pajama Winter Wonderland
Symptoms of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs
The chemicals found in poinsettia sap contain diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents that are similar to those found in household detergents.
Clinical signs can include.
-
Skin irritation around and inside your dog’s mouth, as well as their esophagus
-
Excessive drooling
-
Mild stomach upset (Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
-
Diminished appetite
Poinsettia ingestion rarely results in fatalities. However, if your dog has been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 24 hours, has blood in their stool, is panting excessively, has unusual amounts of pain, or develops a fever, then get them to a vet immediately. Poison control can also be called for advice.
Sometimes, stomach upset after your dog ingests poinsettia can result in dehydration, so also keep an eye out for that.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Poinsettia
You can try to offer them some water to soothe their irritated throats. Water may also dilute the poison and lessen the irritation. If you have a dog-safe topical cream, you can apply it to the skin irritation around their mouths.
Keep an eye on your dog to make sure that their stomach upset is not too severe, and take note of how long the symptoms last or if the symptoms worsen.
If you are very worried, consider calling the Poison Control Hotline[1], or your vet. Avoid providing any human medications, but sometimes a dog-safe OTC antacid might provide some relief from the discomfort from poinsettia's poisonous sap.
WarmShield Water-Resistant Jacket Red
Other Toxic Holiday Plants to Watch Out For
Poinsettias aren’t the poisonous plants that become more popular around the holidays. You should also keep a careful eye out for balsam wood, Amaryllis, Yew, Holly (leaves and berries), Mistletoe (leaves and berries), Crocus, and Ivy. These can all contain poisonous substances that can seriously harm your dogs.
Pine needles are not necessarily toxic, but they can poke and irritate the stomach lining and digestive tract if eaten. Your dog can also try to drink the water from the Christmas tree pot, which can contain harmful preservatives or bacteria.
Do not automatically make your dog throw up, as each poison may have more specific medical treatment that you should follow.[2]
Plastic plants may also contain unexpected hazards. Many may use dyes that are not safe for dogs to chew on. Your dog may also pull off plastic leaves and berries, which could potentially be a choking hazard or cause obstructions in their digestive tract.
Dog Christmas Pajama Frosty Night
Dangerous Holiday Foods
Plants are not the only dog-toxic thing to avoid this holiday season. There are a number of human-safe holiday foods that your dog should be avoiding.
Fatty foods like cured meat, ham rinds, and large amounts of nuts can cause life-threatening complications like pancreatitis, especially in susceptible breeds like schnauzers. Some nuts can also contain harmful compounds that build up in large doses.
Sugary foods should only be consumed at a bare minimum. Alcohol, including alcohol soaked cakes or fruits, is very poisonous to dogs and can affect glucose levels and breathing.
Everyone knows chocolate is bad for dogs, so keep a careful eye on your hot chocolates or peppermint logs. Grapes and raisins can also be very toxic and cause kidney damage. One or two may not be too bad, but be careful about a dropped fruitcake.
Garlic and onions can also be dangerous for dogs to eat, and can be popular around holiday season meals.
Dog Christmas Pajama Gingerbread Man
Conclusion
Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? The answer is yes, but this popular Christmas plant is less deadly than commonly believed.
If your dog has eaten poinsettia, common symptoms include skin irritation in and around their mouths, as well as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most cases are not serious and can be treated at home with water and an antacid. If the symptoms persist, then call a vet.
Other holiday plants, such as Amaryllis, Yew, Holly, Mistletoe, Crocus, Ivy, and pine needles, may be more toxic and require medical treatment. You should keep your dog away from these, as well as potentially toxic foods such as chocolate or raisins.
If you’re at a loss as to what to get a dog owner, consider buying their dog a fun Christmas Sweater from Sparkpaw's Dog Sweater collection instead of potentially toxic holiday plants.
Knit Christmas Dog Sweater Dasher Red
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my dog eats poinsettia?
Eating Poinsettia can cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, and mild irritation. It contains mild irritants that can make your dog uncomfortable, but it is rarely deadly.
Do dogs stay away from toxic plants?
Not necessarily. Some dogs may dislike the smell and stay away, but a curious dog may still bite or chew on a poisonous plant out of curiosity. It is better to be safe than sorry and keep them away from toxic plants.
How to know if a dog ate a poisonous plant?
If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic plant - look out for these symptoms: Stomach issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, increased thirst, or loss of appetite. Also, behavioural changes such as restlessness, confusion, lethargy, or depression.
Ext links