Does your computerized axial tomography think your lush plant is , well―succulent ?

A Christmas cactus can endure for decades―assuming , of row , it does n’t come to an ill-timed conclusion at the jaws of a quat or dog . But in such an case , your concern is likely for your pet ’s life-time over your plant ’s . Christmas cactus sure as shooting does n’t wait or vocalize like something that would sit around well on the stomach , but is it harmful or eventoxic to your dogor guy ?

How Christmas Cactus Plants Impact Pets' Health

If your pet considers Christmas cactus to be a treat for the teeth instead of the middle and chows down consequently , you do n’t need to panic . TheASPCAlists Christmas cacti as non - toxic for both dogs and cats―neither the cactus nor the blossom are toxicant to pets . But non - toxic does n’t mean harmless , say Margot Vahrenwald , DVM , owner ofPark Hill Veterinary Medical Centerin Denver . " While not toxic , " she explains , " a bountiful dose of stringy material could upset the stomach and causevomitinganddiarrhea . "

So if you bewitch your cat or dog sinking his tooth into your Christmas cactus or ascertain bites of it missing , watch for signs of gastrointestinal irritation . Even if the signs are mild , it ’s never a bad thought to call your veterinarian for advice on how to dependable defend your pet as he recover from his poor tasting in snacking material .

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats a Christmas Cactus?

The first step is to give your veterinary surgeon a call , and possibly manoeuvre into the clinic for an examination . Vahrenwald says it ’s better to be good than meritless when it comes to your pet ’s health . " Earlier intervention to reduce or handle clinical sign is always dependable than allowing symptoms to decline . "

Which Other Holiday Plants Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

While a Christmas cactus wo n’t poison your pet , these other coarse Christmas works and flowers will ! Keep them out of your pets make , or better yet , out of your habitation this holiday season .

To ensure your pawl or cat does n’t get poisoned , theIndependent Veterinary Practitioners Association ( IVPA)recommends vacuuming up loose Christmas tree diagram needles and keep other works up off the floor and out of curious pets ' reach . If you have a veridical tree diagram this year , the IVPA also suggests covering tree diagram weewee ( which could be treated with toxic pesticides and fertilizer ) so your pet does n’t try out to drink out of it . conceive putting up aChristmas tree pet gateto cut off your bounder or cat ’s approach to the lower branches as well .

illustration of a dog and cat near a christmas cactus

Photo: Kailey Whitman