Foliage that is toxic to pets – 9 plants to be wary of during the holidays

We all love bringing winter greenery indoors to decorate our homes at this time of the year. 

The scent of pine needles and glow of lights reflecting off creamy mistletoe and scarlet holly berries is as iconic as the roast turkey on the table.

But while they look attractive, several of these Christmas foliage plants are poisonous to our pets, so we must take care where we put them.

Which plants are toxic to pets?

Each year veterinary surgeries will see their waiting rooms fill with pet owners whose cats and dogs have sampled poisonous plants around the house.

Luckily, most pets instinctively know if a plant is toxic and are unlikely to chew them after the first inquisitive sniff. However, as a precaution we have listed nine varieties to be aware of when choosing greenery and other plants to decorate your home this holiday season.

1. Holly

Celebrated in the beloved carol The Holly and the Ivy, the bright scarlet berries and glossy leaves of holly make it one of the best Christmas plants.

But beware. The spines on its sharp leaves can cause injuries to paws, noses and eyes, while the berries, and to a lesser extent the foliage, contain the chemical theobromine that causes vomiting, diarrhoea and high blood pressure.

2. Ivy

Ivy is beautiful as a trialing foliage, and tempting to include as part of indoor garland or wreath designs. 

Although not as toxic as holly, ivy leaves can cause skin irritation to sensitized pets and the berries can also cause stomach upsets, so display it in areas where pets are unlikely to reach. 

3. Yew

There is a reason yew trees are often planted around cemeteries. Livestock know the foliage and berries are poisonous and keep clear, so the grass stays pristine and untrampled.

Although yew makes an excellent privacy barrier for your yard, and the boughs are dramatically stunning with their dark green needles and bright red berries, the entire plant is extremely toxic to animals and humans, causing gastric upsets and convulsions, so think twice about introducing it to your home.

4. Winter cherry

The little orange fruits of Jerusalem cherry, or winter cherry may look like tasty cherry tomatoes, but as their Latin name Solanum pseudocapsicum suggests, they are something very different.

The fruits produced by these small shrubs can cause headaches, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea, so keep them out if reach and try to avoid including them in your Christmas table decor ideas.

5. Christmas trees 

The tree is usually the focal point of festive house dressing, but no matter how glamorous your Christmas tree ideas, dangers can lie withing its gaily festooned branches.

The pointed needles can cause injuries to paws, tender mouths and noses as well as dangerous - not to mention expensive - internal damage if eaten by a curious pooch.

The sprays we sometimes apply to seal the needles to prevent moisture loss and needle drop can also be toxic to pets, as well as a fire risk, so keep naked flames away from your tree.

6. Poinsettia

The elegant scarlet leaves of poinsettias are a popular and jolly addition to the winter home, but beauty is only skin deep when it comes to this member of the Euphorbia family.

Although poinsettias aren't poisonous if eaten by a cat or dog, if cut the stems will exude a thick white sap, which can cause skin irritations, damage to eyes and nose, and can aggravate tender mouths, so it's a good idea keep them out of the way of pets and children.

7. Mistletoe

A Christmas kiss under the mistletoe is a romantic staple of the season, but although it is one of the best Christmas plants to bring indoors, make sure the berries are kept away from curious cats and dogs.

They contain a range of toxic chemicals including polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins which can cause gastrointestinal irritation such as vomiting and abdominal pain. 

If a lot of berries are consumed, your pet may experience irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure.

8. Amaryllis

All of the amaryllis plant, from the bulb up to the flowers, are toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting and diarrhoea, trembling and loss of appetite.

Amaryllis, also called hippeastrum, are very popular Christmas plants and the bulbs can be kept from year to year and re-started each fall. Just make sure they are stored safely out of the way.

9. Lilies

Lilies are beautiful but sadly are especially toxic to cats. If the pollen gets onto fur and is licked off during grooming sessions, it can cause sickness and kidney failure.

One way of keeping your pets safe is to cut off the pollen-laden stamens when you get the plants home, or buy sterile varieties that don’t produce pollen.

FAQs

Although ivy leaves and berries can cause skin and stomach irritations in your pets, there is no need to panic and strip it all from your yard. Do take care that they don't come into contact with hellebores, however, as these flowers can be toxic to pets.

The berries are an essential winter food for garden birds, and the stems and leaves make excellent hibernation homes for all sorts of insects and invertebrates that will help keep small yard pests at bay next summer.