It could be the kiss of death.
Mistletoe is beloved by millions of Americans during the holiday season, with lovers locking lips beneath the festive and flirtatious flora.
But before you deck your halls, consider the threat the decoration poses to your pets.
“Mistletoe berries are super toxic — they can cause a heart attack and even death,” Dr. Carol Osborne, of the Ohio-based Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic, told Chewy.
She says it’s paramount that the plants are placed in areas out of reach to cats and dogs, claiming it “can be a matter of life and death.”
Poinsettias are another popular plant placed around houses and offices at Christmastime — but that decoration is less dangerous, according to Dr. Osborne.
“We see all these warnings on the internet about poinsettias,” the vet stated. “The truth of the matter is, most plants might make the animal drool or get a tummy ache or get a little diarrhea, but most plants are not fatal.”
She says their dangers are “overrated,” citing the plant’s low level of toxicity.
However, that hasn’t stopped the American Kennel Club from saying that the festive florals pose a threat to dogs if they ingest the plant’s white sap, which “contains chemicals similar to those in household detergents.”
If a large amount of the sap is consumed, it can result in vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and skin irritation.
Meanwhile, Christmas cacti, Christmas roses and even Christmas trees can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Experts told Chewy that lilies, too, are extremely poisonous for pets and any kind of exposure can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, lethargy, loss of appetite or changes in urination and requires medical attention.
“It’s important to note that all parts of most types of lilies are very toxic to cats. Homes with cats should never have lilies in them,” the American Kennel Club’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein said in a blog post, noting that the flowers are often overlooked in floral arrangements.
“Amaryllis, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly are among the common holiday plants that can be dangerous and, in some cases, even poisonous to pets who eat them,” he added.
If pet owners suspect their fur baby has been exposed to a potentially toxic plant, it’s vital to seek veterinarian attention. Dr. Osborne recommends taking a photo of the plant to show a doctor.
“If you think your pet ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait!” Dr. Gary Weitzman, the president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, told Chewy. “Plan on visiting your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. Call first because your vet might ask you to induce vomiting in your pet.”
