As the Christmas holiday approaches, many of us are decorating our homes with plants to match the celebration. Traditional holiday plants may come in as gifts. However, just as poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe can light up a house as beautiful, some of the most common decorative plants can be harmful to our pets.

The pet insurance experts at money.co.uk have compiled a list of 10 Christmas plants that are poisonous to pets and what precautions you can take to keep your pets safe if these plants are at home.

If your pet eats any of these poisonous plants, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Holly — If the berries or pointed leaves of the Holly plant are ingested, it may cause oral irritation, drooling, gastrointestinal discomfort (such as vomiting) and diarrhea. If eaten in large quantities, plant parts may also cause excessive head shaking. Mistletoe-Although there are many types, the berries of mistletoe contain chemicals such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins, which are harmful to dogs and cats. Small intake of mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal irritation, such as vomiting and abdominal pain. Consuming large amounts may cause abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure and uncoordinated movements. Poinsettia plant-famous for its bright red and green holiday leaves. The milky white sap of the colored leaves contains a chemical that not only causes nausea, vomiting, drooling and diarrhea, but also irritates the skin, mouth and esophagus. Christmas tree-If you chew the needles on the Christmas tree, the oil released may cause oral irritation and stomach upset. Due to the prickly nature of needles, these may also cause harm to the mouth, throat and stomach if ingested. Ivy (Hedera spp.)-If pets come into direct contact with this plant, ivy can cause severe skin irritation. If ingested, ivy can also cause stomach upset. Amaryllis-The entire amaryllis plant contains toxic substances, but the bulbs contain more toxic substances, so be careful with pets who like to dig. If you consume light bulbs, your pet may experience severe gastrointestinal discomfort (such as vomiting and abdominal pain), loss of appetite, lethargy, and tremors. A small amount). This can cause severe gastrointestinal damage, which can lead to kidney failure in cats. Laurels—laurels—including laurels (usually used in cooking) and cherry laurels—contain toxins in all parts of the bush. These can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases can cause muscle weakness and even seizures. Snowdrops-The stems and leaves of these small white flowers contain toxins, and the bulbs have the highest concentration. After ingestion, they can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, uncoordinated movements, and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Taxus-All parts of this plant are highly toxic because they contain alkaloids called taxin. After ingestion, Taxol can cause vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, and in critical situations, it can also cause life-threatening changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Note: It is important to remember that some of these same plants are harmful or even fatal to humans. Keep plants with attractive berries, such as holly and yew, out of children's reach. For example, quoting a CBS News report, "If a child eats two holly berries, they will vomit, diarrhea, dehydration and sleepiness. Bright red berries may fall from the decorations and fall on the floor. The child or Pets might find them there and eat them." It’s better to be safe than regret! (For more information, see https://cbsn.ws/3s9xzEv)

Pam ​​Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener living in Kimberton. Send an email directly to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send an email to PO Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening story on "Chester County Roots" on Facebook. Nature-related books written by Pam for children and families can be found on Amazon.com/author/pamelabaxter.

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