Toxic Christmas Plants Every Pet Owner Should Know About

The holidays bring out our favorite decorations—twinkly lights, cozy scents, and plenty of festive greenery. But while those classic Christmas plants look great in photos, some of them can spell trouble for curious dogs and cats. Before you deck the halls, here’s a quick rundown of the plants that are better kept out of paw’s reach.

1. Poinsettias: More Overhyped Than Dangerous

Poinsettias get a bad rap, but they’re usually more irritating than truly toxic. If a pet chews on the leaves, the sap can make their mouth sore and upset their stomach. You might see a little drooling or mild vomiting, but serious reactions are rare.

Still, it’s best to keep them somewhere pets can’t nibble—just to avoid any holiday stress.

2. Mistletoe: The One to Really Watch Out For

Mistletoe may be cute for photos, but it’s one of the more dangerous holiday plants. Both the leaves and berries contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, trouble breathing or even seizures.

If you’re going to hang mistletoe, keep it high and secure—and double-check that no berries fall to the floor.

3. Holly: Pretty but Problematic

Holly looks great in wreaths, but it’s not so great if pets decide to snack on it. The spiky leaves can irritate the mouth, and the berries can cause stomach upset, drooling, and general discomfort.

An easy fix? Go with artificial holly. It still looks festive and won’t cause any drama.

4. Lilies: A Serious Danger for Cats

Lilies often sneak into winter bouquets, and they’re extremely toxic to cats. Even a tiny amount—licking pollen off a paw, chewing a leaf, or drinking vase water—can cause life-threatening kidney failure.

If you have cats, skip lilies altogether. Truly. They’re not worth the risk.

5. Christmas Trees: Not Toxic, Just Troublesome

Your Christmas tree isn’t poisonous, but it does come with hazards:

• Fallen needles can irritate or cause stomach issues.

• Tree water can contain preservatives, fertilizer, or bacteria.

• Ornaments, hooks, and tinsel can be choking or obstruction risks.

A tree barricade or a well-secured stand can make a big difference.

6. Amaryllis: Sneaky but Unsafe

Amaryllis plants are popular gifts, and many pets find the long, ribbon-like leaves tempting. Unfortunately, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even tremors if eaten. Keep them up high or opt for a safer plant instead.

Keeping Pets Safe This Season

A few simple steps can help keep the holidays peaceful:

• Choose artificial versions of risky plants.

• Keep décor up and out of reach.

• Clean up fallen leaves, needles, and berries quickly.

• Cover your tree stand water.

• When in doubt, give your vet a call if your pet eats something questionable.

With a little planning, you can enjoy all the festive greenery you love without putting your furry family members at risk.