When I first saw a poinsettia industrial plant in the wild in Australia in the Kuranda rain forest , I was shocked . I thought these were … well , I ’d never thought about them in the wild before ! It made sense that they ’d develop in a rain forest - they ’re a tropic plant . Poinsettias are a beautiful , exciting industrial plant , specially when they ’re ingorgeous planters , that many of us like to keep around during the holidays . Most of us do n’t cogitate of them as exist in the “ veridical world . ”

But they do – and because they do , their reservoir of self - defense is being poisonous to brute who otherwise might snack on them . fauna , like our cats and hot dog . And since I have a cat that has a particular penchant for nibbling on all things leafy , I , like you , had the doubtfulness : are poinsettias venomous to cat and andiron , too ?

Poinsettia Toxicity

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Unfortunately , the answer is yes , this gay plant is poisonous for cats and dog . gratefully , they are only mildly so , concord to thePet Poison Helpline . The whitish white sap retrieve in the plants is called diterpenois euphorbol esters and saponin - like detergents . That ’s a mouthful ! But countenance me excuse .

fundamentally , if these gooey sap are ingested by your critters , they ’ll likely show balmy signs of drooling ( more so than common in your slobbery pal ) , vomiting , and occasionally diarrhea . If it get on their skin , the pets will have dermal irritation ( or cutis innervation ) , meaning redness , swelling , and itching . oculus exposure may result in mild irritation there .

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Is Medical Treatment Required?

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In most cases , the symptoms of Euphorbia pulcherrima poisoning is self - limiting and wo n’t expect medical attention . So , unless the critter render severe symptoms or persistent symptoms , they should sack out the toxin naturally without too much more say and nothing done . Their stomach upset should pass after a mo of metre .

Severe Symptoms

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If , however , your deary designate severe symptoms after snacking on these democratic vacation plant , aesculapian attending should be sought . There is no curative for poinsettia intoxication , but your veterinary surgeon may be able-bodied to help alleviate the worst of the symptom .

overweening symptoms would include :

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In any of these cases , your pet may necessitate rehydration or some peel guardianship assistance to lighten the symptoms .

How to Keep Your Pets Out of Houseplants

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Though consume a poinsettia would n’t kill my cat , I ’d prefer she did n’t get into them at all . So , these guard and helps are recommended for helping keep them away from the mildly toxic plants ( and any other plant you desire to save from kitty paws and puppy lip ! ) .

Better Safe Than Sorry

finally , if your cat or pawl does wind up eating some poinsettia , even if they ’ve evacuated the industrial plant from their system , you should still call the vet and seek focal point from there . The vet can take questions to assist guide you through the care for your pet as well as answer any head you may have regarding the beast ’s health and safety gadget from here out .

Gardener inspecting the leaves of a Chinese money plant

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Vet with dog and cat

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