These common Christmas gifts could poison your beloved pets!

Christmas is when we express our love for our families through meaningful gifts and thoughtful presents.

Sadly, our four-legged friends sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to Christmas presents.

While you might not consider the Christmas plants, decorations, and treats you bring into the home, they can be harmful for your furry friends in some cases.




Australian Veterinary Association President Dr Diana Barker shared her insights about the dangers that are lurking this Christmas holiday.

‘If you're going to give a plant to someone with a pet, just make sure it's safe... People often don’t realise, particularly when they’re ordering online,’ she said.

For pet owners whose festive presents include bouquets of flowers, it's essential to check their toxicity before bringing them home.


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Some plants may be harmful to your furry friends. Credit: Unsplash




Some of Dr Barker’s clients sent lilies to her, but she can’t take them home because of her cats, and some varieties of lilies are deadly to them.

She said, ‘All parts of some lilies are toxic to cats, and I mean really toxic. They just have to take a bite, and it can put them into acute renal failure.’




We should also remember that our furry friends are curious animals, so taking safety precautions is crucial before introducing any new elements into the home.

Dr Barker added, ‘They want to see what it is and play with it. Some dogs chew everything, so you might find your plant destroyed and a sick dog. It’s worthwhile always doing your homework.’

These are the four Christmas plants that can be toxic to your pets:

  1. Poinsettias
  2. Jerusalem Cherry
  3. Mistletoe
  4. Yew
Another plant that pet owners should be wary about is the Sago Palm plant. A pet owner shared her heartbreaking story of their two dogs who passed away because they ingested Sago Palm seeds in the garden. She urged other pet owners to take a closer look at their garden, so this problem won’t happen to them in the future. You can read more about it here.

The same advice applies to other big holidays that can present some unexpected dangers, such as chocolates and plastic toys. Easter is one of the holidays where Aussies prepare lots of goodies and treats for their friends, and even their pets.



In our previous article, a veterinarian mentioned a list of ingredients and other food pet owners that can be hazardous to their furry friends. Check out this story to know more.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, contact the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian Veterinary Association President Dr Diana Barker advised that it is important to check the makeup of bunches of flowers, as the mix can sometimes contain deadly blooms.
  • Dr Barker stressed that all parts of some lilies are extremely toxic to cats.
  • If pet owners suspect their pet has swallowed something potentially dangerous, they can call the Animal Poisons Helpline.

Do you know other ways to prevent your dog from harm? Share them in the comments below!
 
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