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Poinsettias bad for dogs


Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Poinsettia Poisoning?

Poinsettia is a bright and colorful red flowering plant and a popular number of the family known as Euphorbiaceae. This pretty holiday plant is native to Central America and Mexico. Poinsettias thrive in wet ravines which are highly populated with trees. They are also found in hilly and rocky areas. When used in the home for decor, the potted plants grow no larger than 1 meter. Tiny yellow clusters of flowers adorn the center of the bright red larger flowers. 

Poinsettias are a favored holiday plant and are usually displayed in homes, businesses, churches, and other public buildings around winter holidays, namely Christmas. The stems and leaves contain a milky substance akin to latex which can be irritating when dogs come into contact the substance. Poinsettias, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, have always known to be toxic; however, the level of toxicity of the poinsettia is usually mild to moderate.

Poinsettia poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs consume all or part of the poinsettia plant. This popular holiday plant contains chemicals and saponins that may cause various levels of toxicity.

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Poinsettia Poisoning Average Cost

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Symptoms of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has consumed poinsettia, he may develop the following symptoms. The level of severity of the symptoms is relative to the quantity consumed. Symptoms may include:

Types

The poinsettia plant is often called a variety of names. If you have a decorative plant in your home for the holidays, it is important to know the type and any other name it may go by. Other names for poinsettia include:

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Causes of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs

The cause of poinsettia poisoning is from the ingestion of the leaves of the stems of the plant. The diterpenoid euphorbol esters, along with the milky saponins cause toxicity by:

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Diagnosis of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has ingested any part of the poinsettia plant, call your veterinarian immediately. In many cases, Poinsettia plant poisoning is mild to moderate and not life-threatening. However, veterinary treatment is crucial. When you go into the veterinarian’s office, take with you part or all of the plant so he may be able to make a faster diagnosis. If you are unsure if your dog ingested the Poinsettia, yet is showing the symptoms above, you may still want to take the plant with you. The veterinarian is highly trained in the areas of plant toxicity, and even if you are unsure he will be able to make a diagnosis with testing and observing his symptoms.

If your dog has not already self-vomited, your veterinarian may administer an emetic so that he may test the stomach contents. If your dog vomited at home or in the veterinarian office, he may use that substance for his testing. The veterinarian will also do bloodwork, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile to check for organ function. The medical professional will be looking for abnormal levels of proteins and enzymes, and may also choose to take samples of soft tissue to test for the toxins.

Another way the veterinarian can test for poinsettia toxicity is to examine your dog’s face, skin, and any other fur on his body. The physician will be looking for samples of the milky latex -like sap that is found in the poinsettia leaves and flowers. If there is any sap on your dog’s exterior, he will decontaminate the dog by flushing with water and using a mild detergent to wash the dog.

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Treatment of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs

Treatment of poinsettia poisoning depends on the amount of toxicity your dog is suffering from. Poinsettias have a reputation for being deadly, and this is not the case unless your dog has consumed a very large quantity of the plant. Treatment methods may include:

Decontamination

The sap from poinsettia is quite irritating to the fur, eyes, and exterior skin. It can also be irritating to the mouth area. The veterinarian will take proper measures to decontaminate your companion from any of the sap that has come from the plant. He may also need to use ointment that will help calm the histamines from the sap.

Intravenous Fluids

IV fluids may be given to keep the dog hydrated, especially if he has been vomiting or suffering from diarrhea. IV fluids also encourage urination and proper kidney function. These fluids also help with the stabilization of proteins and enzymes. 

Emesis

The induction of vomiting helps to eliminate the toxic contents of the stomach. The induction of vomiting may also be followed by the administration of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is effective in absorbing the phorbol esters and preventing them from being absorbed by the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Monitoring

The veterinarian will keep a watchful eye over your companion and observe him for any allergic reactions. An antihistamine may be continued in order for your dog to become stable. Fluids will help him tremendously in his recovery. He may need to stay overnight or for a few nights in order to get well again.

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Recovery of Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs

Each dog responds to poinsettia poisoning differently and treatment and recovery will vary. In many cases, the prognosis is good once he receives the treatment he needs. Once he comes home with you, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your dog during his continued recovery.

A bland diet may be recommended by the medical professional in case your dog is continuing to recover from an upset gastrointestinal system. The veterinarian will want to have follow-up visits with your companion to be sure he is positively recovering. To prevent future poisoning, check the plants around your home to be sure there are no other poinsettias or toxic plants that can be dangerous to any of your animals. If you are not able to identify all plants to determine if they are toxic, you can take them into your veterinarian or contact your Humane Society or ASPCA for more information.

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Oh No! My Dog Just Ate A Poinsettias! What Should I Do?

This article was written by a veterinarian, but it should not substitute as contact with a trained professional. If your dog ate poinsettias and is reacting adversely, contact your local veterinarian immediately.

Many of us love to decorate our homes with festive red poinsettia plants during the holiday season. With their instantly recognizable star-shaped leaves, they’re a Christmas classic. More than 35 million poinsettia plants are sold every year across the US!

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are traditionally grown in Mexico and Central America. It’s also known as the Christmas flower, Christmas star, lobster flower plant, or Flores de Noche Buena (Flowers of the Holy Night).

But what happens if you arrive home to find your dog has chewed on or eaten your festive poinsettia display? Read on to find out all you need to know about the risks of poinsettia for dogs.

Contents

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?

Poinsettias can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach but they are not fatal if consumed.

If your dog ate poinsettia, there’s no need to panic. Despite their notorious reputation as being extremely poisonous, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to dogs. The white sap from poinsettia plants contains saponin-like detergents and diterpenoid euphorbol esters, chemicals that cause irritation. When the sap comes into contact with your dog’s mouth and stomach, it causes temporary irritation. This may show up in warning signs such as heavy panting, drooling and vomiting.

Some studies have also suggested that certain plants, like poinsettia, contain an enzyme that may play a role in the development of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach causing vomiting). The sap can also irritate your canine companion’s skin and eyes if it comes into contact.

These effects usually resolve on their own without the need for major veterinary intervention. However, the toxic effects of poinsettia increase with the dose consumed. This means small dogs and puppies, or dogs that have eaten a large amount of poinsettia, are at increased risk of developing more severe clinical signs. So, if Fido has eaten or chewed on a poinsettia plant, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What Parts of Poinsettias are Poisonous to Dogs?

Poinsettia leaves are actually the red part we perceive to be the petals.

The plant sap contains the irritating chemicals responsible for its toxic effects. The sap is found in both the branches and leaves of the poinsettia plant. Though we tend to think of the red part as the petals or flowers, they are actually leaves that contain the same irritating substance.

Though not poisonous, it’s also important to remember that the plastic pot many poinsettia plants are kept in can be dangerous to dogs if chewed up and swallowed. Sharp pieces of plastic can injure your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.

Larger pieces of plastic are a choking hazard and can even cause blockage (intestinal obstruction). This is especially true in small dogs. If you think your pup has chewed up and swallowed plastic or any other inedible Christmas decorations, call your vet immediately.

My Dog Ate a Poinsettia.

What Should I Do?
It is best to call your vet for further instruction if your pooch snacked on a poinsettia plant.

If your dog ate poinsettia, don’t panic! In most circumstances, your pup should be fine. But, there are still a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure that Fido is safe.

Step 1: Look Fido Over

Examine your dog closely. Are they bright and comfortable? Do you see any unusual behavior? Are they licking their lips or pawing at their mouth and face? Has there been vomiting or diarrhea?

It’s rare for dogs to become seriously ill after eating poinsettia. But, if your dog is sick, collapsed, or appears to be severely unwell, take them immediately to the nearest emergency vet.

Step 2: Remove The Plant

Make sure all traces of the plant have been cleared away and cannot be reached by any of your pets at home. It may be best to temporarily confine your animals in a separate room while you tidy.

Step 3: Collect Information

Try to work out how much of the plant was consumed. You might be able to piece together bits of the remaining plant (be careful – the sap can be irritating to human hands!). That will allow you to check the plastic pot to see if any pieces are missing. Make sure no other Christmas decorations such as tinsel or ornaments are missing or have been chewed up in the process.

Step4: Call Your Veterinarian

Give them all the information you’ve gathered and let them know your dog’s breed, age, and weight. Your vet will be able to advise you from here on the best course of action, whether it’s safe to monitor your dog at home or if they need to come into the clinic for an examination.

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Poinsettia Plant?

For most dogs, the clinical signs after eating poinsettia are mild and resolve on their own.

Any health concerns for dogs after eating poinsettia are very small and clear up over time. Small dogs and puppies or dogs that have eaten large amounts are more likely to show the following signs of poinsettia toxicity.

Irritation to Skin and Eyes

The sap of the poinsettia plant can cause mild irritation to the skin and eyes if it makes contact. If the sap gets in the eyes you might notice redness, watery eyes, mild squinting, or pawing and rubbing at their face. If their skin is affected you might notice a red rash. You may also see your pup chewing, itching, or rubbing the affected area.

These signs are usually temporary and self-limiting. But, the eye area is extremely sensitive, and your dog can easily scratch their eye when trying to relieve the discomfort. Carefully washing the skin with cool water can help remove poinsettia sap. If you have any concerns or the signs are not improving, contact your veterinarian.

Irritation to the Mouth

The chemicals in the sap of the poinsettia plant may also irritate the mouth when the leaves or branches have been bitten and chewed. You may notice Fido licking his lips more often than normal, drooling, or pawing at their mouth. In most cases these effects will resolve with time, however, they should be reported to a veterinarian if they don’t disappear over the next 12-24 hours.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Ingestion of the poinsettia plant can also cause an upset tummy, again due to direct irritation of the digestive tract. Signs such as vomiting, reduced appetite, mild lethargy, and diarrhea can be seen in dogs that have eaten poinsettia.

These effects are usually dose-dependent and increase with the amount of poinsettia consumed. In most cases, the gastrointestinal signs associated with poinsettia ingestion are transient and will resolve on their own.

Your vet will advise you on a suitable feeding protocol for your dog. Usually, small frequent feeds are best after a gut upset. A veterinarian-approved gastrointestinal diet can also be helpful.

Small dogs, especially puppies, are more sensitive to tummy upsets. Puppies and small dogs can become dehydrated easily and can even become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar levels) if they stop eating. They need to be monitored closely. Any changes should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is not a direct effect of the poinsettia plant itself. It’s a risk when your dog has potentially chewed up pieces of the plastic pot or other Christmas decorations from your display. Because these are considered foreign bodies, there is a risk of them developing a blockage in the gut or bowel obstruction.

Signs of intestinal obstruction are vomiting (often multiple times), struggling to pass feces, reduced appetite, struggling to keep down food/water, and diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has eaten any of these items or is showing signs of a blockage, contact your vet immediately. This is considered an emergency and should be assessed as soon as possible.

Poinsettia Poisoning in Dogs: Treatment

No veterinary treatment should be required after consuming poinsettia, but you’ll want to monitor your pup.

Many dogs will require no veterinary treatment or intervention after eating poinsettia. The warning signs are usually mild and self-limiting. However, small dogs and puppies or dogs with more severe clinical signs may require veterinary attention.

There is no antidote for poinsettia. Treatment is targeted at managing the clinical signs. Your vet might give prescribe medications to help settle an upset tummy. They may also prescribe eye ointment to soothe and protect irritated eyes. A small dog or puppy may require intravenous fluids (IV drip) in the hospital if they become severely dehydrated, though this is relatively rare.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating my Plants?

The easiest way to prevent your dog from eating poinsettia is not to have it in your home or garden. This is easier with seasonal plants like the Poinsettia, but more difficult with perennial plants like Hydrangeas, or even annual plants that may be harmful to our canine companions. However, keeping it on a high shelf where they cannot reach it is also a sensible option (unless you have a cat!).

Keep an eye out for poinsettia displays on walks over the festive period. You should also always make sure to keep your dog leashed in public places. This will help prevent them from eating things they shouldn’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog eats a poinsettia leaf?

Poinsettia is mildly toxic to dogs and the sap of the plant irritates the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and eyes. This can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, as well as red and irritated skin and eyes. Whilst these signs are usually self-limiting, it’s always best to seek veterinary advice.

Can poinsettia kill a dog?

The good news is that poinsettia is only mildly toxic and is extremely unlikely to kill a dog. However, as it can cause vomiting and diarrhea you will need to monitor your pup closely and it’s always best to seek advice from a veterinary professional. Puppies and small breed dogs, in particular, can become unwell and dehydrated quickly if they stop eating and develop vomiting and diarrhea.

Is there an antidote for poinsettia poisoning?

There is no antidote for poinsettia toxicity but if it is eaten by a dog the effects are usually mild and may include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as irritation to the mouth, eyes, and skin.

My dog ate poinsettia should I make him vomit?

Never attempt to make your dog vomit after eating poinsettia or any other toxic item. The decision to inducing vomiting should only ever be made by a veterinary professional who will perform the procedure as safely as possible if it is required. In the case of a poinsettia, vomiting is unlikely to help reduce the symptoms, and may even make them worse.

Final Thoughts

Though poinsettia is not highly poisonous to dogs, it still doesn’t mean they should chew on it! Poinsettia sap is still mildly toxic and can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, as well as inflamed eyes and skin.

It is always best to seek veterinary advice if your dog ate poinsettia. The effects (though dose-dependent) are not always predictable and certain dogs such as puppies and small breeds are at higher risk for developing complications.

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List of toxic plants that are dangerous to dogs

Article checked by the chief veterinarian Koncheva Elizaveta Sergeevna

The list of plants dangerous to dogs is quite extensive. This is due to the fact that dogs, unlike domestic cats, are still more often on the street. And there is always a temptation to try a leaf or dig out a root. It is important to understand that not all plants give the same body reaction. Everything is very individual: small breeds will only need one leaf, while a large dog may not even notice it. But the responsible owner must know that the poison tends to accumulate in the body, so in no case should dangerous plants be allowed to be eaten.

Toxic plants for dogs

In order to protect your pet from this threat, you need to know which plants are dangerous, as well as what kind of body reaction they can cause:

If you notice the first symptoms of poisoning in a dog or find that the pet has eaten a dangerous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs

Each owner should know what signs accompany the poisoning of the animal, so that when they appear, take action as soon as possible and take the pet to the veterinary clinic. These include:

To keep your plants healthy and your dog healthy, wean your dog from eating leaves, bark, and twigs.

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Take care of your pet's health

How to wean a dog from eating plants?

  1. Keep houseplants out of reach of pets or restrict access to garden flowers and trees
  2. Every time you notice a dog chewing on leaves, scold your pet. This is only necessary if you caught the animal at the time of the "crime". You can’t yell at a dog or beat it, you can only shame it by explaining that you can’t do this.
  3. Monitor your dog's diet to ensure it contains sufficient vitamins and minerals, and the dog must have constant access to drinking water. If the behavior is affected by a lack of vitamins, the veterinarian will prescribe a course of appropriate drugs.

The bad habits of a dog sometimes give its owner a lot of trouble: broken pots, mountains of earth and dug up beds are just a small part of them. Some plants, indeed, can cause irreparable harm to the health of the pet. That is why it is so important to monitor the behavior of the dog and, if possible, eradicate addictions as early as puppyhood.

The article is not a call to action!

For a more detailed study of the problem, we recommend contacting a specialist.

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25 Most Dangerous Plants for Pets

You may be surprised, but these plants are very common, they can be found both as an indoor flower and in the yard.

Check out the list of toxic plants that can negatively affect the health of your furry friends and consider making a few changes to your garden.

Azalea

One of the most ubiquitous and beautiful landscape plants, it is also one of the most poisonous. Azalea is poisonous to both dogs and cats, but it also causes disease in horses, goats, and sheep. Eating just a few leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you already have such a plant in your yard, you can either remove it or keep an eye on your animals. Take them to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect they may have ingested or chewed on azalea leaves.

Azalea

Daylily

Although not toxic to dogs, many types of daylily, including the lily, are extremely toxic to cats. Small portions of any part of this plant ingested by a cat can cause kidney failure. Thus, if your animal is often outdoors, you need to change your landscape design by removing the lily from there.

Daylily

Hyacinth

Hyacinth is loved for its lush early spring flowers and heady aroma. However, its bulbs are poisonous. If your dog likes to dig, keep hyacinths and other early bloomers away, such as snowdrops, crocuses, or daffodils.

Hyacinth

Oleander

This is a delightful evergreen that thrives in warm climates. Its delicate buds come in a variety of colors, from pink to red, white and even yellow. While the flowers and leaves of this plant are beautiful, they are poisonous to pets and humans. Therefore, only grow oleander if you are confident that every member of your family can keep their hands or paws away from the plant.

Oleander

Castor bean

Such a plant is often used in landscape design, it attracts with its colorful foliage and impressive height of its stems, however, all this beauty is poisonous. Enjoy this plant when you see it in a city park and don't plant it in your garden.

Castor beans

Hostas

Hostas are a staple gardening item for shady areas, but they are poisonous to both cats and dogs. If you have a curious four-legged friend at home, try a pet-friendly plant like coral bells.

Hosta

English ivy

You probably know that the berries of this plant are very toxic to pets. However, the rest of this vine plant is poisonous - especially the leaves. Don't be seduced by the allure of an ivy-covered brick wall. If you have this plant, it is best to get rid of it.

English ivy

Yew

The good qualities of the yew have made it an extremely popular evergreen landscape shrub. It is hardy and easy to grow, attractive when full of red berries. But the bark, leaves, and seeds of yew, when ingested, can affect the central nervous system of both dogs and cats. Horses are even more susceptible to poisoning. Instead of risking pet health, it's best to eliminate yews from your yard.

Yew

Alocasia

In warm climates, alocasia can be successfully grown in the garden, but in the rest of the country it is better known as a popular houseplant. However, for all its beauty, the plant can cause mouth swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea in both animals and humans — reason enough for a careful homeowner to avoid having such a plant in their yard, and even more so in their home.

Alocasia

Ipomoea

The seeds of some types of morning glory contain lysergic acid, which is essentially the natural form of LSD. This substance can cause hallucinations, confusion, tremors, and gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs and cats. Avoid planting this plant if you have pets.

Ipomoea

Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus contains colchicine, which is highly toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory failure, and kidney and liver damage.

Autumn Crocus

Daffodils

Daffodils are one of the first cheerful signs of spring. But if any part of it enters your pet's body, he may experience diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or breathing problems and cardiac arrhythmias.

Daffodils

Potatoes

Potatoes may be a staple on your dinner table, but don't feed them to your dog. Potatoes are nightshades, and all nightshades contain the toxic chemical solanine. The potato itself and the green part of its stem are poisonous to your pet, so keep them away from this vegetable.

Potato

Larkspur

This plant is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. When ingested, it can cause both neuromuscular and respiratory paralysis, as well as symptoms ranging from muscle weakness to muscle stiffness and tremors. In the worst case, it can lead to heart failure and even death.

Larkspur

Buttercup

Since buttercup can cause blistering in the mouth, most dogs and cats will not swallow it completely, so the plant is not likely to cause them any serious harm. However, it can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, and salivation. Topical exposure to ranunculus is also harmful and can cause skin irritation.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a popular flowering plant and contains pyrethrins, which are natural pesticides. If such a flower is eaten by your cat or dog, it can cause excessive salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the worst case, it can lead to depression and movement difficulties when ingested by pets.

Chrysanthemum

Cyclamen

This houseplant is extremely popular for its unique foliage and colorful flowers. But be sure to keep your pets away from it. The roots of cyclamen are highly poisonous and, if ingested, can cause severe vomiting and even death.

Cyclamen

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a common garden plant, often found in home improvement stores and garden centers. However, it is toxic to both dogs and cats, and can cause tremors, excessive salivation, breathing difficulties, and intestinal problems, including diarrhea and vomiting.

Amaryllis

Poinsettia

The popular poinsettia is known to be toxic to cats and dogs, but it is not when compared to other plants on this list. Milk juice causes skin irritation and, if ingested, causes mild gastrointestinal upset. This plant rarely causes serious poisoning. However, be attentive to your pets, make sure that they stay away from this harbinger of the holiday.

Poinsettia

Iris

Part of the Iris family, iris is poisonous to both cats and dogs. The bulbs of this plant are the most toxic, so dogs that dig in the ground may be most at risk. Once in the body of an animal, iris can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and salivation.

Iris

Oregano

It is commonly grown in gardens, greenhouses and flowerbeds for culinary use. The consumption of oregano by cats can cause intestinal disorders, but usually does not entail any serious diseases and symptoms. Essential oil, however, causes much more harm to animals. Unlike people who like to use it as an alternative medicine, oregano essential oil should not be used as an antibiotic for cats. Ingestion of oregano essential oil by a cat can lead to liver failure.

Oregano

Euphorbia

Euphorbia is extremely toxic to dogs and cats. If swallowed, it causes vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, it can cause cardiac arrhythmia.

Euphorbia

Lily of the Valley

This flower contains cardiac glycosides which can adversely affect your pet's heart rate, or cause severe arrhythmias and seizures, in addition to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Learn more