FEED Me Seymour!

Little shop of Horrors…poisonous plants and pets. "Thinking that cats and dogs have an instinct for this type of thing—after all, they survive out in nature and seem to know plants that are medicinal. For example, cats or dogs may eat grass when they feel unwell as a means to self-soothe or induce vomiting to alleviate digestive discomfort. This behavior might help them expel something irritating their stomach or simply offer relief. Why, just this afternoon, an acquaintance of mine was concerned about her dog as he had been eating grass but hadn’t thrown up anything."

The holidays will be upon us shortly, and folks will go out and purchase live plants as part of the decor. But before you do, a caveat. Some holiday plants, when displayed or used in decorations, can pose risks to pets if ingested. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and keep these plants out of reach, and to seek veterinary advice immediately if your pet consumes any part of these potentially toxic plants. They are:

Poinsettia: Though less toxic than commonly believed, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets.

Mistletoe: Highly toxic, particularly the berries, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potentially heart problems or even death.

Holly: Both the berries and leaves are toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe reactions.

…to be continued