Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs and cats? The real holiday risks

Cat in the house? Lilies are the real emergency for cats. Pet Poison Helpline says every part of a true lily, even the pollen and the vase water, can cause kidney failure.

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The poinsettia itself is mostly hype. The real holiday trouble sits in the bouquet and on the dinner table. Here is what each one does, and what to do next.

Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?

Pet Poison Helpline calls poinsettias only mildly toxic to cats and dogs, and says the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. The ASPCA agrees: the sap irritates the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but the plant is generally overrated in toxicity.

What you may see after a chew:

• drooling
• vomiting
• diarrhea, rarely
• irritated skin or eyes where the sap touched

These signs usually pass on their own. Severe, or still going? Call your vet.

Are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Same answer: mild

Pet Poison Helpline gives cats the same mild rating. A cat that chews a leaf may drool or vomit. Move the plant up high, or to a room the cat can't reach. Cat still won't leave it alone? The ASPCA suggests a faux plant instead.

Vomit on the rug after a nibble? An enzyme cleaner lifts the stain and the smell. Biokleen Bac-Out is Green Seal certified, and Biokleen says it is never tested on animals. For the full cleanup, see how to clean cat vomit from carpet.

Lilies: the holiday flower that's an emergency for cats

Lilies show up in holiday bouquets, and the ASPCA says many of them are highly toxic. Pet Poison Helpline says every part of a true lily (Lilium) is toxic to cats: leaf, stem, flower, pollen, vase water and root. It can cause vomiting, dehydration and acute kidney failure.

Cat chewed a lily, licked the pollen or drank the vase water? Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control now. Pet Poison Helpline says early treatment is vital. The simple fix: no true lilies in a house with a cat. Ask the florist to leave them out of the bouquet.

Are holly berries poisonous to dogs?

Yes, they can make a dog sick. The ASPCA says holly can cause stomach upset and heart problems if a pet eats it. Pet Poison Helpline adds that holly leaves and berries bring on vomiting and diarrhea, and the spiky leaves can hurt the lips and gums. Keep holly up high, and sweep up fallen berries.

Is mistletoe poisonous to dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA puts mistletoe with holly: stomach upset and heart problems if a pet eats it. Pet Poison Helpline says eating a lot of American mistletoe can drop blood pressure and leave a pet stumbling. Hang the kissing ball where no one can jump to it.

Can dogs eat turkey? A small bite of plain, boneless meat

Yes, a little. The ASPCA says any turkey you share should be boneless and fully cooked. Raw or undercooked turkey may carry salmonella, and poultry bones can be a major choking hazard. Tufts vets say a small amount of cooked turkey breast is usually a good option, as long as you watch the portion.

Leave the rest of the plate for the people. The ASPCA and Tufts vets flag all of these:

• Bones, raw or cooked.
• Fatty, sweet and spicy foods.
• Onions and garlic, common in stuffing and many sides.
• Raw yeast dough. It can expand in the stomach and cause bloating.
• Desserts with xylitol, a sweetener that can cause low blood sugar, liver damage or even death.
• Chocolate, grapes and raisins.

Want him in on the feast? The ASPCA suggests mixing a few pieces of turkey, sweet potato and green beans into his usual dinner. Tufts says to keep treats and table food under 10% of daily calories. And empty the trash through the day: the ASPCA notes it fills up with bones, chocolate and onions.

One more ASPCA tip: stuff his Thanksgiving treats into a puzzle toy to keep him busy during your meal. The West Paw Toppl has a wide opening for stuffing, and it goes in the dishwasher.

Can cats eat turkey? A very small piece of lean meat

Cornell's Feline Health Center says it is likely OK to give a cat a very small piece of lean turkey as a special treat. Cornell also warns that fat from meats can lead to pancreatitis in cats, that poultry bones can cause blockages, and that onions and garlic are toxic to cats. So: a bite of plain white meat, no skin, no gravy, no bones.

Can dogs eat ham? Skip it, share turkey instead

Ham lands in the fatty food group the ASPCA calls dangerous for pets. Tufts vets say high fat foods can bring on vomiting or diarrhea, and that many holiday foods are high in sodium, a concern for pets with heart disease. If you want to share meat, a bite of plain turkey breast is the better pick.

Is Christmas tree water bad for pets?

It can be. The ASPCA says tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset. Cover the stand, or block it off so your dog or cat can't drink from it.

Pet-proof the Christmas tree: anchor it, skip the tinsel

Pet ate something? What to do right now

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA line is open 24/7, every day of the year, and a consultation fee may apply. Pet Poison Helpline takes calls at (855) 764-7661.

Before you call, note what your pet ate, about how much and when. Keep the plant, wrapper or package nearby so you can read it out.

Done pet-proofing? Now the fun part: Christmas gifts for dogs and cats.