Holly toxicity for dogs
Holly (ilex aquifolium) is a shrub of the Aquifoliaceae family that has spiky-edged leaves and red berries when ripe in the fall. Often present in hedges in gardens, its branches are also frequently used to decorate the interior of homes during the end-of-year celebrations. Holly is therefore part of the composition of Christmas wreaths, among other winter floral compositions.
Although decorative, holly is no less toxic for all species and, in particular, for our domestic canines. Its leaves contain several toxic molecules such as illicin, ilixanthin and tannins while its berries contain emetic and purgative molecules whose nature is not yet known precisely.
Most often, dog poisoning occurs when it chews and/or ingests the berries or leaves of the plant. However, the second scenario is rarer due to the pungency of the shrub's leaves.
What are the signs of holly poisoning in dogs?
Symptoms of holly poisoning appear a few hours after ingestion. A very small amount of chewed or ingested berries can be enough to cause clinical signs to appear in dogs, especially if they are small.
If a dog has swallowed a small number of berries, his symptoms will be digestive and will include vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes violent, and abdominal pain.
If a larger number of berries are ingested, nervous signs such as drowsiness, ataxia, convulsions and even coma can occur, which can lead to death of the animal.
My dog ate holly: how to react?
If your dog has chewed or swallowed holly leaves or berries, consult your veterinarian without delay, even if your dog does not yet show any symptoms of poisoning. The sooner you act, the more effectively the treatment your veterinarian can put in place will limit the signs of poisoning. If the poisoning occurs outside the opening hours of your usual veterinarian's office, go to the nearest veterinary clinic on duty or call a veterinary poison control center that can be reached 24 hours a day, such as the Lyon CNITV (04.78. 87.10.40 ) or Nantes CAPAE (02. 40. 68.77.40) .
In the meantime, and unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian, do not attempt to induce vomiting and do not give him anything to eat or drink.