Post-holiday pet safety: tree water/poinsettias

[toadspittle]

All right. It’s generally agreed that poinsettias are not harmful to human beings when ingested. But what about housepets? Specifically, cats and ferrets. Anyone know for sure that the bracts are poisonous to these little critters (which is what I often hear from popular sources; none of the debunking sources address pets…only human beings)?

Also–I’ve often heard that drinking Xmas tree water (the water the tree sits in and soaks up) can be harmful to pets. But I thought it was only if you put some sort of fertilizer/other chemical in the water to extend the tree’s life, etc. Is straight xmas tree tea hazardous?

[toadspittle]

Anyone?

[BunnyGirl]

YES! Pointsettas are definately poisonous - I heard this from my vet, I believe. I also once saw a website (will try to find it) that listed a BUNCH of houseplants that are also poisonous.

I haven’t heard anything about the water/tree thing though.

One of my cats loves to graze so we grow oat grass for her. She devours almost any kind of plant we have in the house (except for the basil and geranium I grow. Hmmm).

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

http://www.google.com “poinsettia toxic cats”

http://www.moggies.co.uk/plants.html

Poinsettia (low toxicity)

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant08.htm

TOXICITY RATING: Low.

ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals can be affected, but pets are more likely to come into contact with Poinsettia than are livestock.

SIGNS: The milky sap (a latex) is irritating to skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. Once considered extremely poisonous, toxicity is more likely to manifest as irritation, discomfort, rash, and stomach upset. Nausea and vomiting may occur if sufficient quantities are consumed. Typically, animals will show head-shaking, salivation, and pawing or rubbing at the mouth or eyes.

FIRST AID: Wash sap off the animal to prevent further ingestion. Call a veterinarian if the eyes are affected, or if signs do not resolve in a few minutes.

PREVENTION: Poinsettia should not be allowed near curious animals.

I would say that this probably also applies to ferrets.

http://www.google.com “Christmas tree water cats drink”

http://www.peteducation.com/howdoi/cat_drink.htm

Drinking Water: How to Encourage Cats to Drink More

How often have we seen cats drinking water out of the Christmas tree stand or the tub when someone has just showered?

It doesn’t say, “Oh, my God, don’t let your cat drink the Christmas tree water!”

http://www.google.com “Christmas tree water ferrets drink”

http://www.texasferret.org/news/199811.html

Do not let ferrets drink the tree’s water! The tannic acid that leaches from the tree into the water can cause anemia and heart problems in ferrets.

On the other hand:

http://www.acmeferret.com/infobank/d94_tbox.htm

And if your living room sports a live tree, you may find that your ferrets will drink the water from the base faster than the tree will. Always avoid adding chemical tree preservatives to this water and keep a close eye on your little guys during this season.

[BunnyGirl]

Well, hush my mouth.

This from About.com

It is difficult to give concise information about plant toxicities as there are hundreds of plants that are
potentially poisonous to animals(1). However, actual reports of animals getting seriously ill from eating plants
are relatively infrequent compared to reports of poisonings from household products or drugs. The plants
discussed below can be found in Minnesota and represent among the most dangerous of poisonous plants. You
may notice the conspicuous lack of “holiday plants” among the list. While many people seem to think
poinsettias, ivy and mistletoe are dangerous plants, and while these plants have toxic potential, they seldom
cause serious clinical signs if eaten.

They then go on to list mostly outside plants: Japanese Yew,
Schefflera actinophylla, Dieffenbachia maculata, Begonia tuberhybrida,Philodendron (Common names — Starleaf, Tuftroot, tuberous begonia, wax begonia, water plant, yellow calla, peace lily, etc), Rhododendrons, milkweeds, lily-of-the-valley, laurel, oleander, azalea, foxglove, etc.
and Nightshades, Chinese lantern, Christmas cherry, Ornamental pepper.

Hope this helps.

The like was long so I didn’t post it and I’ve been too lazy to look up that cool “look here” thing you can do with urls.

[BunnyGirl]

Sorry, one more thing. About.com got that information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (duh, didn’t even look at where the link had taken me).

[toadspittle]

Thanks for the responses, all. I guess the upshot is still:

maybe, probably not, best to just keep them away from your pets.