Protect Paws and Claws: Central MN’s Holiday Pet Safety Checklist

MAKE SURE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE HAPPY

The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota wants everyone to have a happy holiday season and is providing information to help protect your furry family members. Nothing can ruin a holiday more than a pet ingesting something that could hurt or even kill them.

TOXIC PLANTS THAT COULD KILL YOUR PETS

The following is a list of plants you may encounter, put out, or receive as gifts this holiday season. Just know what to watch out for, and if you are going to risk it, make sure that you put these plants out of reach of all pets in your home. The best advice is not to take any chances and keep them out of your home.

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LILIES

Lilies are beautiful and many of us will pick up some holiday centerpieces or flower bouquets to display for our family and friends. But! True Lilies, which include the varieties of Daylilies, Easter lilies, Asiatic, and Japanese Show lilies, are highly toxic to cats and kittens. The whole plant is toxic, from pollen to even the water dish. If your cats ingest anything from a lily, it can be life-threatening. The best advice is; if you have cats in your home, NEVER bring lilies inside. Lilies cause kidney damage, vomiting, anorexia, drooling, and lethargy.

AMARYLLIS

Amaryllis are bulb plants that you can purchase and grow in your home. If your dog eats the bulb, in can obstruct the intestines. If they chew on the plant it can lead to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, tremors, and more.

YEW

Do you put up a wreath every year? Best if you put it up high and somewhere where pets can't get into them. Yew is a common green that is used in wreaths and is toxic for both cats and dogs.

HOLLY AND MISTLETOE

Yep. Even under the mistletoe, your decorations can be dangerous to your pets. If your pets chew on the leaves, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

CHRISTMAS TREE WATER

If you have pets, it's not always the best idea to put a real tree up; because the water at the base of the tree can become toxic. Bacteria, pesticides, and mold can get into the water from the tree; plus the needles that fall off your tree can cause intestinal blockages for pets that have to eat everything they see.

POINSETTIAS

And finally....Yes. That beautiful Poinsettia that you have sitting on your dining room table is considered to be toxic to dogs and cats. BUT! According to the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, they are only 'mildly' toxic. Even though they are not deadly, they should still be kept out of the reach of pets. Your pet could still experience hypersalivation, lip licking, vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.