Holiday décor brings warmth and color into our homes — but some festive plants can be toxic to dogs and cats. Before you decorate or bring home gifted greenery, take a mindful moment to check your list twice.
Here are a few popular holiday plants to avoid or handle with care:
🚫 Poinsettia – Mildly toxic. Can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and upset stomach if chewed.
🚫 Mistletoe – Highly toxic. Can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues if ingested.
🚫 Holly (especially berries) – Can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
🚫 Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats, and some varieties can harm dogs too. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
🚫 Amaryllis – Beautiful but risky. Can trigger vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.
Safer alternatives: try pet-friendly greenery like Christmas cactus, rosemary, or ferns.
🌲 Mindful tip: Place any decorative plants high up, away from curious paws. If you suspect your pet has chewed something toxic, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).
This season, mindfulness means celebrating beauty and safety — because peace on earth should include our pets too.