[Jenn218]

For many of us, ‘tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health?

* Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

* Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

* Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

THE FINAL WORD ON POINSETTIAS
Attention, poinsettia-loving pet owners! You need not fear this festive holiday plant—rumors of its toxic potential are greatly exaggerated, say ASPCA experts.

As our toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center explain, poinsettias were first brought to the United States in the 1820s by J. Robert Poinsett, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico at the time. The myth of the plant’s toxicity began when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer allegedly died from eating a poinsettia leaf.

Says the ASPCA’s Dana B. Farbman, CVT, “In reality, ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation in pets, which may include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.” So while it’s still a good idea to keep this plant out of your pets’ reach to avoid stomach upset, you need not banish it from your homes.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. A fee may apply.