A lot of families decorate their homes with the most beautiful plants at Christmas time not realising that the plants we associate with Christmas are poisonous to pets. It is still ok to have these around the house, but we all must be mindful where we place them so they are out of reach from our nosey little fur-friends, we do not want them getting hurt or poorly, do we?

Poinsettias reach full bloom in December and their red petals are actually leaves, they are originally from Mexico and they are mildly toxic to pets. If they are eaten in large quantities it can cause drooling, oral pain, and vomiting.

Mistletoe is known for being the plant of love. Adults hang it up high and according to custom, if you are caught standing under the mistletoe, you may get a kiss. This plant is a vicious parasite, this means it lives on trees and sucks nutrients from it and that is how it keeps its green colour. It is highly toxic to pets and, if eaten, can cause diarrhoea, shortness of breath, sickness and shock. It can be really fatal.

Even though holly has spikey leaves it will not stop pets being inquisitive. The berries are an important winter food source for birds but they are toxic to pets and humans. Several varieties include saponins (this forms soapy lathers when mixed and shaken with water) which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten, they will also drool and shake their head a lot.

Hedera Helix is the Latin name for Ivy. If your pets eat it, it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling. If your dog eats a lot and is very poorly you could see blood when they are sick and blood in their poop, this is the time to call or visit the vet straight away.

REMEMBER: Keep them out of your pet’s reach or your you could use artificial plants to decorate your home.