Poinsettias are bright, beautiful plants that help to ring in the holiday season. But when it comes to this festive flora, you may begin to wonder: are poinsettias dangerous to my dog?
It’s okay to have poinsettias in your home, especially if you have a trained dog. Contrary to what you may believe, poinsettias aren’t very toxic. Like other non-edible household plants, they can cause stomach issues or vomiting if consumed in excess. However, if you keep your poinsettias in an out-of-reach location, the plants won’t harm your dog. In reality, poinsettias are great air purifiers, removing trace amounts of harmful chemicals from your home. It’s fine to have poinsettias during the holiday season or throughout the year if you also have a dog.
The dedicated dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters are there when you can’t be. We can give your pup the attention it deserves while you’re out of town. Call the dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters for responsible care at (404) 793-6178, or visit us online today.
Are Poinsettias Dangerous to My Dog?
Poinsettias are beautiful flowering plants that are most popular in the wintertime. They come in various colors, but the red variety is the most famous. These cheery plants are household favorites, especially in colder months. Pet owners know, however, that not all plants are dog-friendly. So, when it comes to poinsettias, are they safe for your pup?
Various household plants are dangerous to dogs when consumed. When adding new flora to your home, it’s important to do your research. Because poinsettias are most common around a specific time of year, and when they are in bloom seem to be everywhere, you may have wondered whether or not they’re dangerous. Well, in the past, they were thought to be much more dangerous to dogs than they really are.
While your dog may negatively react to ingesting poinsettia leaves, it’s rare. Of course, protecting your pup from danger is always best. But eating poinsettias will only cause mild discomfort, at most. More severe reactions, like vomiting and oral pain, may result from eating poinsettias in large quantities.
Why do poinsettias cause this reaction? It’s all in the leaves. The chemicals that cause poinsettia leaves to be bright red are mildly toxic to dogs and other household pets. Again, your furry friend would have to eat an entire plant to have an extremely negative reaction to poinsettias. However, that possibility is surely something to consider.
If you’re worried that your curious canine will scarf up fallen poinsettia leaves in excess, the dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters recommend investing in some faux-flora. You can decorate your home with fake poinsettia plants if you’re concerned about your dog’s safety. Another option is keeping them in a high spot, out of your dog’s reach.
Are Poinsettias Dangerous to Have in My House?
Despite being mildly toxic to your dog, poinsettias are not dangerous to have in your house. They’re actually some of the best plants to have. Although only popular during a specific time of year, poinsettias are pretty and purifying. Having them in your house has its benefits; just try to keep your poinsettias away from your furry friend.
Poinsettias are beautiful plants that purify the air very well. It’s important to note that many plants are not edible. Your usual table flowers aren’t a tasty snack for your dog either. Despite that, poinsettias aren’t extremely dangerous. One stray leaf probably won’t cause harm to you or your pup. In fact, poinsettias are some of the best household plants for cleaning your air. They’re almost like natural air purifying machines. They can remove trace amounts of formaldehyde and other chemicals from the air that, believe it or not, can be found in your home.
Not only can poinsettias purify the air your dog breathes, but they’re easy to care for. You don’t have to feed them several times a day like your canine. Just water when you notice the soil looks a bit dry. When the Atlanta dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters are enlisted to take care of your furry friend, we’ll also water your poinsettias. When you’re out of the house, it’s safest to put your poinsettias in a higher place so your dog cannot access them if left alone.
When Are Poinsettias Dangerous to Dogs?
If you’re a poinsettia fan, there’s no harm having them in your house around the holidays. Even having poinsettias all year round is okay. With anything, don’t leave them in an easy-to-reach place if your dog tends to nibble at flora. That being said, it’s not always best to have poinsettias if you have a dog.
There are some situations where it’s best to avoid poinsettias. For example, if your dog is sick, eating a few stray poinsettia leaves may cause more stomach problems. Puppies need time to train, so nix the poinsettias while your dog is still young. Beyond that, however, it’s okay to have poinsettias in your home. Just don’t leave them on the floor and clean up fallen leaves just as you would with any other plant.
Poinsettias are nowhere near as dangerous to dogs as some other household plants. Although you may have heard that these holiday plants are very toxic to canines, it’s not the case. It’s not that your dog should eat poinsettias (it definitely shouldn’t). But, as long as your pup doesn’t eat an entire plant, it will be fine.
Call Critter Sitters for Dog Walking and Sitting Services Today
Regardless of the time of year, having reliable care for their dogs is important to pet owners. When you need help, call the responsible dog walkers and sitters at Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178, or visit our website today.
