Certain plants tend to be popular during the holidays. But those winter plants also can cause issues – that includes pine trees. Karen Ackley, with the Marion County Extension Office, says that’s especially true for pets. Pets who swallow pine needles, she says, can cause possible damage to their internal organs. She also says that the water for those trees can also cause irritations for the pet if they drink it.

Ackley also talks about plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and ivy, which have all taken spots in Christmas pop culture. She says you should watch children and pets around those plants. Each has varying amounts of poison in their berries or sap that causes mild to severe irritations such as upset stomachs nausea, or even diarrhea.