Poinsettia is a dangerous plant for pets. Here's how to recognize a possible intoxication and what to do
There is still someone who does not know it and it is important to remember it every year around the holidays: the poinsettia is toxic to animals and very dangerous for dogs and cats. It is therefore necessary to be extremely careful that they do not ingest it but also that it does not come into contact with skin or hair. Here are the signs that may indicate possible poisoning with poinsettia.
It is not difficult to surprise our pets by eating plants, an instinctive gesture on the part of dogs and especially cats, often done with the intent to purge their intestines of parasites. Some plants, however, can be extremely dangerous and among these there is the Christmas star, often present in our homes during the holidays.
Poinsettias have toxic leaves and can cause real poisoning to our 4-legged friends. The danger exists not only if the leaves are ingested but also if animals rub against the plant or smell it. Even with these milder contacts, in fact, they could suffer damage to the skin, eyes or hair.
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The signs in the cat
These are some of the symptoms cats exhibit when they ingest a toxic substance and which they can exhibit after coming into contact with the poinsettia:
- Excessive salivation
- Dilated pupils
- Difficult breathing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Thirst and dehydration
- Irritated skin
- Sneezing and coughing
- Lack of coordination
- Convulsions or tremors
- Weakness or fainting
- Gastric problems
- Inability to urinate
- Excessive sleep
In the event that the accident occurs on the evening of Christmas Eve or in any case when it is not possible to immediately reach a veterinarian, the Nacho Menes Veterinary Hospital of Gijón in Spain recommends:
- Do not give him home remedies or medications without a prescription.
- Induce vomiting, provided the cat is not unconscious or there is a contraindication.
- Take it to a well-ventilated and well-lit place.
- Brush the hair if there has been contact with the plant
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The signals in the dog
In dogs, poinsettia poisoning (ingested or by contact) manifests with symptoms such as:
- Threw up
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Severe tiredness or sleepiness
- Tremors
- Skin irritation
- itch
- Blisters
- Dehydration
While it is not fatal to eat poinsettias in most cases, it is important to notify your vet right away and have the animal examined.
If it is not possible to take your dog to the vet right away, Nacho Menes Animal Hospital recommends that you:
- Move the animal to an open, ventilated area.
- Make him throw up unless he's unconscious.
- Brush it in order to eliminate traces of the poinsettia left on the fur and wash it with plenty of water if the contact has occurred through the skin.
- Do not use remedies that have not been recommended by a veterinarian, do not offer food or liquids until the situation is clear.
- Only if authorized by the veterinarian, give fresh water to drink slowly.
These tips are valid in case of poisoning or intoxication (even not caused by a poinsettia), so let's always keep them in mind.
If we want to avoid any risk, at least during the holidays, we can safely give up the poinsettia in favor of other plants or, why not, make it crochet.
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Source: Nacho Menes Veterinary Hospital
Read also:
- How to keep your dog safe during the holiday season
- 10 plants that are poisonous for cats
