If you have a dog, you know they are curious and love exploring. However, dogs also seem to like to eat just about anything. One of the most common plants is the poinsettia, often found in homes during Christmas. If you have one in your home or are thinking about getting one, you have come to the right place to find out if they are safe!
Poinsettias are poisonous to dogs and, if consumed, can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. The symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, and hypersalivation. Depending on consumption amount will depend on how long the symptoms can last. It would be best if you kept them out of reach from your dog.
Poinsettia Plant
Poinsettias are beautiful plants. They come in red, pink, white and other colours. However, around the Christmas period, the majority are red. Poinsettia plants bloom between October and December and live for about 2 to 3 months after flowering. Poinsettia plants love a mixture of daylight and darkness. So a window seal would be ideal for this type of plant. The soil should always be moist but not soggy. Not enough water or too much water will turn the plant yellowish. If you want to know more about caring for poinsettias, there is a good resource article here.
Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Family: Euphorbiaceae
What To Do
A poinsettia plant can become a severe issue for dogs if they excessively eat it. So if they have already had a munch down on this plant, try not to panic. It depends on how much they have had and the size of your dog. See it through, and don’t offer your dog anything to eat or drink for a few hours so the gastrointestinal tract can settle down.
Keep a watchful eye on your dog!
If symptoms of sickness do become severe, the secondary problem becomes dehydration—that is why it is essential to assess your dog’s character after. Symptoms shouldn’t last more than two hours after consumption.
Suppose something doesn’t feel right about your dog, and they aren’t their usual self, as per the signs below. You must seek veterinary help.
Signs Of Plant Poisoning In Dogs
- High body temperature
- Lethargic
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe
- Keep them out of reach.
- Make sure the surface you are putting the plant on is above eye level for your dog.
- Ensure the plant’s surface will also catch the leaves from falling on the floor.
- If you have cats make sure they are away from cat’s reach because cats can knock them on the floor
The leaves and stems contain toxins called saponins, and this irritant sap can be toxic for dogs if consumed in large quantities or eaten over an extended period.
No, your dog shouldn’t get sick from eating only a tiny amount of poinsettia plant.
Poisonous Christmas Plants
- Christmas Trees
- Holly
- Ivy
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
- Potpourri
Remember
Don’t panic if your dog has eaten a small amount; they will be fine. However, please keep the plant out of reach of your dog. Take your dog to the vet if it shows severe and prolonged symptoms.
Enjoy your poinsettia plant. They are a magical sign of Christmas and happy memories with family and friends.
