How do I keep my dog from eating holiday plants?

Keeping your dog from eating holiday plants requires a combination of prevention, training, and awareness. Many common holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Here’s a detailed guide to help you protect your dog during the holiday season.

1. Understanding the Risks
Holiday plants can pose serious health risks to dogs. For example, poinsettias, while not highly toxic, can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Holly and mistletoe are more dangerous, with holly causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and mistletoe potentially leading to more severe symptoms like low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and even seizures. Lilies, often used in holiday arrangements, are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs. Knowing which plants are dangerous is the first step in protecting your pet.

2. Prevention Strategies
The best way to keep your dog from eating holiday plants is to prevent access to them. Place plants out of reach, such as on high shelves or in rooms that your dog cannot access. If you have a particularly curious or agile dog, consider using baby gates or closed doors to restrict access to areas where plants are displayed. Additionally, avoid placing plants near furniture or surfaces that your dog can climb on to reach them.

3. Training and Behavior Modification
Training your dog to avoid plants can be an effective long-term solution. Teach the "leave it" command, which instructs your dog to ignore or move away from something they are interested in. Start by holding a treat in your closed hand and saying "leave it." When your dog stops trying to get the treat and looks at you, reward them with a different treat. Gradually practice this command with plants, rewarding your dog for ignoring them. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success.

4. Safe Alternatives
Provide your dog with safe alternatives to chew on, such as durable chew toys or puzzle feeders filled with treats. This can help redirect their attention away from plants and satisfy their natural chewing instincts. Make sure the toys are appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing strength to prevent choking hazards or ingestion of small parts.

5. Monitoring and Supervision
Always supervise your dog when they are in areas where holiday plants are present. Even with preventive measures in place, accidents can happen. If you notice your dog showing interest in a plant, calmly redirect their attention to a toy or treat. Consistent supervision can help reinforce good behavior and prevent ingestion of harmful plants.

6. Recognizing Symptoms of Toxicity
Despite your best efforts, your dog may still manage to eat a holiday plant. Be aware of the symptoms of plant toxicity, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately. Provide as much information as possible about the plant and the amount ingested to help them assess the situation.

7. Emergency Preparedness
Keep the contact information for your veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency animal hospital readily available. You may also want to save the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) in your phone. Quick action can make a significant difference in the outcome if your dog ingests a toxic plant.

8. Long-Term Care and Prevention
After the holiday season, consider whether you want to continue having potentially toxic plants in your home. If you do, make sure to keep them out of reach year-round. Educate family members and visitors about the dangers of certain plants to dogs, and encourage them to help keep your pet safe. Regularly inspect your home and yard for any new plants that may pose a risk.

9. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog shows any signs of illness after being near holiday plants, seek veterinary care immediately. Even if you are unsure whether they ingested anything, it is better to err on the side of caution. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough examination and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your dog stays safe and healthy during the holiday season. Prevention, training, and vigilance are key to protecting your pet from the dangers of holiday plants.