A Christmas poinsettia plant can be a lovely accent to your fireplace (next to your stockings) or as a centerpiece on your dining room table when you are holiday decorating.
You might want to do a little research first, though, to find out if poinsettias are harmful to dogs. Knowing whether poinsettias are poisonous to dogs and cats is very crucial, especially if you have a curious dog at home.
For additional information on the potential risks of keeping a poinsettia plant in your house throughout the Christmas season, we chatted with Jamie Fischer, a veterinary nurse with DodoVet. She had the following to say regarding this well-known Christmas decoration.
Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?
So, before bringing a poinsettia home, you might want to give it some thought. Your dog would feel sick if he ate any portion of the poinsettia plant, albeit it wouldn’t be fatal.
“Poinsettias are mildly toxic to dogs and cats,” Fischer told The Dodo. “The plant’s milky white sap contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin.”
If consumed, your dog can slobber, feel sick, throw up, and have diarrhea. In addition, if your dog investigates this traditional festive plant too closely, skin or eye problems could result.
“Dermal or eye exposure of this sap can cause some irritation or itchiness,” Fischer said.
However, there is good news. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, they will typically go away on their own. A trip to your veterinarian is advised if symptoms do worsen.
“There is no specific antidote for ingestion of poinsettias, only symptomatic and supportive care,” Fischer said.
It shouldn’t be a problem if you can keep your poinsettia out of the way over the holidays, but if your dog has to check out everything that comes into the home, you might want to forgo a poinsettia. There are many other methods to decorate; it isn’t worth the risk.
Source: The Dodo
