Common Holly
Holly is a popular plant at Christmas time, creating a festive atmosphere with its red berries and prickly leaves. But what many people don't know is that holly is poisonous to dogs and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning. In this article, you will find out what holly is, why it is poisonous and what you can do if your dog has eaten holly.
What is holly?
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub or tree that belongs to the holly family. It grows in gardens, parks and forests in Europe and has shiny, leathery leaves that are often serrated. From May to June, it produces small, white flowers from which the typical red or yellow berries develop in the fall and winter.
Why is holly poisonous to dogs?
Holly contains various alkaloids, which are mainly found in the leaves and berries. These have an effect on the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract of dogs and can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, shortness of breath, palpitations, muscle cramps and even coma. Just 20 berries can be fatal for a dog.
What can you do if your dog has eaten holly?
If you suspect or observe that your dog has eaten holly, you should act immediately. Time can make or break your dog's life. You should give your dog plenty of water to drink and take him to a vet or veterinary clinic as soon as possible. If possible, take a piece of the plant or a sample of the vomit with you so that the vet knows what your dog has been poisoned with. The vet will try to remove the poison from your dog's body and alleviate the symptoms. They may administer activated charcoal, laxatives or medication.
How can you prevent holly poisoning?
The best prevention is, of course, to keep your dog away from holly. If you have a holly tree in your garden, you should remove it or at least secure it so that your dog cannot reach it. If you take your dog for a walk, make sure he doesn't eat or chew any plants. If you use holly as a decoration, put it out of your dog's reach and dispose of it safely after use.
Holly is a beautiful plant, but it can be very dangerous for dogs. It contains poisonous alkaloids that can lead to severe symptoms of poisoning. If your dog has eaten holly, you must react quickly and take him to the vet. To avoid poisoning, keep your dog away from holly and do not use it as a decoration.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊