The poinsettia belongs to the spurge family. The milky sap present in all parts of the plant is poisonous - especially for pets. If there are dogs and cats or other pets in the family, you should better avoid growing poinsettias or be careful that the animals do not gnaw on the plant.
The poinsettia is poisonous to cats
Poinsettia poisonous to dogs and cats
If a dog, cat or other pet has nibbled on the leaves of the poinsettia, symptoms of poisoning can become noticeable. The animals then suffer from:
- Vomit
- salivation
- muscle cramps
- Tremble
If poinsettia poisoning is not treated promptly, the consequences can be serious. Kidney failure leads to death not only in cats and dogs, but also in smaller pets.
If you suspect that the animal has licked or nibbled on the poinsettia, you should contact the vet immediately. He gives the animal an emetic. Treatment must be completed within two hours.
Set up the poinsettia safely from dogs and cats
So that there is no danger to pets, place the poinsettia in a place where it cannot be reached by the animals. Do not leave fallen yellow leaves, throw them away immediately.
If you oversummer the poinsettia outside on the balcony or terrace, make sure that it is also placed here in such a way that there is no danger to animals.
tips
The risk of poisoning for humans is not quite as great. Nevertheless, the milky sap can cause inflammatory reactions on bare skin. Therefore, always look after the poinsettia with gloves.