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Day 16: Safe Holiday Plants & What to Avoid



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Day 16: Safe Holiday Plants & What to Avoid

The holidays bring beautiful decorations, cozy winter scents, and of course — classic festive plants. But many of the plants that symbolize this season can be surprisingly dangerous for dogs. Day 16 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog countdown is all about helping you create a beautifully decorated space… without putting your dog’s health at risk.

🎄 Popular Holiday Plants: Safe or Not?

Below is a helpful breakdown of the most common Christmas plants and what dog parents need to know:

Poinsettias

Poinsettias often get a dramatic reputation, but they’re actually mildly toxic rather than dangerous. The sap can cause drooling, mild vomiting, or skin irritation, but severe reactions are rare. These plants don’t have to be banned from your home — just keep them out of reach.

Mistletoe

This one is a real risk. Both European and American mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset, dangerously slow heart rate, or even neurological problems. Fresh or dried — keep mistletoe completely away from pets.

Holly

Holly berries and leaves contain saponins and methylxanthines, making them significantly more toxic to dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lip smacking, and drooling. Plastic holly décor is the safer choice.

Christmas Trees

The tree itself isn’t toxic, but the needles can cause throat or stomach irritation if eaten. More concerning is tree water — which may contain bacteria, fertilizer, or preservatives. Always cover the stand.

For more about food and ingredient safety, see my deep dive on pet food preservatives.

Christmas Cactus

Good news — this one is safe! Christmas cacti are non-toxic and a great pet-friendly alternative.

🌿 The Best Dog-Safe Holiday Plant Alternatives

  • Christmas cactus
  • Spider plants
  • Rosemary topiaries
  • Pine-scented soy candles instead of fresh greenery
  • Faux garland and wreaths

🎁 What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

If you catch your dog nibbling or you’re unsure what they ate:

  • Remove access immediately
  • Take a photo of the plant for ID
  • Call your veterinarian or a poison hotline
  • Watch for drooling, vomiting, or tremors

When in doubt — call. With holiday busyness, it’s easy for accidents to happen.

🎄 Creating a Beautiful but Safe Holiday Home

You don’t need toxic plants to make your home feel magical. Cozy lighting, soft textures, a scented wax warmer, and pet-safe décor can create the perfect vibe without worry. The goal is to balance comfort, safety, and tradition — and your dog can be included in all of it.

Looking for enrichment to keep your dog out of the decorations? Check out my post on DIY slow-feeder hacks for ideas that double as holiday boredom busters.


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