With the winter festivities in full swing, there’s no doubt that your home is dressed to the nines, showcasing seasonal cheer throughout; and while decorative garlands and artificial wreaths are a must-have, so are the iconic winter flowers and plants that go hand-in-hand with the winter season. Nevertheless, although you might want to go all out with the seasonal favorites (think poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe!), several of these winter favorites can pose a threat to the furriest members of your family. Naturally, because Fido and Fluffy are usually curious members of the family, it's best to keep them out of harm’s way of these common winter plants. That’s why we recommend substituting these harmful threats with an artificial replica! Not only will a faux reproduction provide you with fauxever lasting beauty that won’t wilt or discolor after a few days, but you can easily display it through the entire winter season without any sort of maintenance. Best part, when the holidays are over, you can effortlessly pack it up and safely store it with the rest of your holiday accents until the following year! In order that no harm comes to you and your entire family over the winter season, today we’re sharing just a few of the winter holiday plants dangerous to your pets and how you can eliminate the threats they post with an artificial version that is undoubtedly just as beauty and twice as safe!

Poinsettias

While the poinsettia has a reputation for being hyped as a several poisonous plant to animals, the actual danger they pose aren’t fatal. While animals can show signs of vomiting, drooling, or possibly even diarrhea if consumed, they aren’t necessarily life threatening. Considered only mildly toxic to cats and dogs, its milky sap can pose dermal irritation to the skin like redness, swelling, and itchiness. While medical treatment isn’t necessarily required (unless a serious amount has been consumed), there is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. That being said, while the dangers this iconic red flower might night be seriously fatal, we still recommend substituting this fiery red hued with a more faux-giving disposition: with an artificial poinsettia arrangement!

Mistletoe and Holly

Considered only moderately toxic, mistletoe and holly plants contain a higher level of toxicity than that of the poinsettia. Leaves and berries (living and even dried) should always be kept out of a pet's reach (preferably even home!) for if congested they can showcase symptoms of intestinal problems, a rapid drop in blood pressure, lack of breathing, and even hallucinations. If an obsessive amount is consumed, seizures and even death may follow. For that reason, it’s best to eliminate these two seasonal favorites for an artificial holly reproduction that will undoubtedly outlast your holidays.

Christmas Trees

Although often overlooked as a household threat to your furry friends, evergreen Christmas trees are mildly toxic; the oils and saps found within fir trees can seriously aggravate the inside of a pet’s mouth and stomach, bringing on excessive drooling and vomiting. Even the pine needles of a Christmas tree, although not easily digested, can induce serious gastrointestinal problems and irritation. Course, as noted, it all depends on the amount consumed and while Spot might not chow down on the entire tree, it's smart to be aware of the risk. Just another benefit as to why you should opt for an artificial Christmas tree throughout the holiday season.

Lilies and Daffodils

Plant bulb kits are a common go-to holiday gift and most contain flowers like lilies, narcissus, and daffodils - all of which are highly toxic to pets. While the bulb is the most toxic part of these pleasing plants, even a solitary bite from the flowers can cause kidney failure and even death in your beloved kitty. Although very beautiful and very festive, we recommend switching out these threatening beauties with an artificial arrangement that will never pose a threat to your four legged friends.

Amaryllis

The beauty of this seasonal favorite lies beneath its threatening petals as it is also considered extremely dangerous to both cats and dogs. Containing lycorine and other noxious substances, amaryllis can induce salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and even severe lethargy and tremors across both cats and dogs. With that note, it’s best you showcase an artificial version of this poisonous beauty and eliminate any possible threat that could come to your beloved pet.

Playing It Safe

If you do plan to bring in any of these holiday favorites into your home, be wary of keeping them out of reach of Fido and Fluffy. Remember, cats can jump to high-to-reach shelves and spaces, so placement should never dissuade you from proceeding with caution. If your dog is a chewer, even floor spaces might not be safe - no matter how well guarded. That's why, with little to no effort, by substituting an artificial version of these holiday favorites, you can easily keep your pets safe and enjoy the holiday season without a trip to the emergency vet.

Please note all imagery featured is purely inspiration and not a product of Nearly Natural.