Christmas Decorations

This info is from the SPCA newsletter, and may help make your holidays happier

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 Casa Blanca--can cause kidney failure in cats.

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

* If your dog or cat ingests pine tree needles, she can suffer an upset stomach and oral pain.

* Don't drink the water! Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria--and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

* Although the potential toxicity of poinsettias is generally overrated, these showy holiday plants can be irritating to your pet's mouth if eaten, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.

* If you suspect that your pet has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's emergency hotline 1-888-426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control