As Brits turn their homes into mini winter wonderlands, dog owners are being urged to keep their pets away from festive plants that could prove fatal to their dogs. Flower expert Alex Biggart has revealed the Christmas plants that could land their pets at the vets before the big day - and what to choose instead.
Alex said: "Christmas is a great time to get creative with different foliage and we love to see seasonal blooms all around the house. But if you are a pet owner you’ll need to be aware that some varieties can be toxic to dogs."
Holly
The red berries of the classic festive Holly bush can cause sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy if ingested by dogs.
The spiky leaves could also harm your pooch, making them a Christmas decoration you may want to avoid.
Alex said: "While fresh holly can be toxic to dogs, faux alternatives are available that look great and don’t carry the same risks."
Mistletoe
Hanging a bunch of mistletoe from your ceiling can give your festive displays a romantic touch, with lovers traditionally sharing a smooch under the seasonal sprig.
But spare a thought for your beloved pup, because mistletoe berries are poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion, among other symptoms.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas, with their bright red leaves a classic favourite in homes up and down the country.
Alex, of delivery service 123 Flowers added: "While they look great, the sap of the plant can be poisonous to dogs and can cause sickness, excessive drooling and diarrhoea.
"A good alternative to a poinsettia would be a rose plant. Red roses are often associated with Valentine’s Day but they can equally form a great focal point for a festive display, especially in a seasonal shade."
Ivy
Alex said: "Variations of ivy are popular in many Christmas decorations including wreaths. While the climbing plant looks great, it can cause skin irritation and poorly tummies for dogs."
Christmas trees
Classic Christmas trees come in many varieties, with their suitability for dogs depending on the species.
Oils from the needles of fir trees can irritate a dog’s stomach and lead to sickness, and can also irritate the mouth.
Alex said: "To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to keep the needles of Christmas trees away from pets.
"That's often easier said than done, but there are alternatives available such as faux trees or mini varieties that can be placed high up and out of reach of your furry friends."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
