I was reading an ASPCA Newsletter this morning and came across this article - thought I'd share for those who don't keep Poinsettia's because they are "deadly" to animals...

"Have you heard that poinsettias are dangerously poisonous to dogs and cats? As the holidays descend upon us, we wanted to set the record straight on these showy wintertime favorites. As our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) explain it, the myth of the plant's toxicity began during the early part of the 20th century, when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.

As a result, the poinsettia's toxic potential to living beings of all species has become greatly exaggerated. In reality, points out the APCC's Dana Farbman, CVT, poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. "Therefore," says Farbman, "while keeping the plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure."

From the ASPCA News Alert dated 11/11/04

Thanks for the clarification, Lydia. And if I may, here are some additional holiday alerts for pet owners.

1. Baking chocolate - this form of chocolate contains a higher concentration of stimulant (theobromine) than regular chocolate. A ¼ pound can be toxic if eaten by a small dog, such as a poodle.

2. Mistletoe - the berry of this plant is the most toxic component, especially if it is chewed instead of swallowed whole. If the berry is ingested in sufficient quantity, it can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, including convulsions.

3. Ivy - this plant is not acutely toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

4. Christmas cactus - this plant is nontoxic, but it can cause vomiting and transient diarrhea if consumed.

5. Tinsel - cats in particular are attracted to playing with Christmas tree tinsel. If ingested, it can cause an intestinal blockage or intussusception (prolapsing of one part of the intestine into the cavity of an immediately adjoining part). If indoor cats are present, it would be prudent to avoid using strands of tinsel. It would also be advisable to place breakable ornaments at the top of the tree. An investment in shatterproof ornaments might also be worthwhile.

6. Glow jewelry - dibutyl phthalate is a chemical contained in glow-in-the-dark jewelry, which are popular items at a variety of festivities. Although the chemical may have the potential to cause death via respiratory paralysis, cats generally will only ingest a minimal amount due to its unpleasant taste and the fact that only a small amount of the chemical is present in the jewelry. Cats that have bitten into the jewelry may exhibit heavy salivation, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior, but they typically recover within minutes. Immediately after a cat happens to ingest this chemical, it helps to feed it small quantities of milk, canned food, or tuna juice to dilute the chemical in its mouth. Wash off any drops of the chemical that might be on the cat's coat and flush the cat's eyes with water if there has been ocular exposure. There is no known antidote for dibutyl phthalate; cats that have ingested large quantities should be closely monitored and given supportive treatment if warranted.

one plant you have to be really really watchful for is the easter lilly. those are deadly to pets.