Christmas Plant Dangers for Pets
Holiday greenery can look festive, but some seasonal plants can make dogs and cats sick. This page covers the most common Christmas plant hazards, warning signs, and what to do if your pet takes a bite.
When to call a vet about Christmas plant exposure
Go to the ER now
- ● Your pet is having trouble breathing, collapses, seems weak, or is unresponsive.
- ● There are neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures, severe wobbliness, or marked disorientation.
- ● You suspect your cat chewed or brushed against lilies, drank vase water from lilies, or has pollen on the coat.
- ● Your pet may have eaten a large amount of mistletoe, yew, or amaryllis bulbs.
- ● There is repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, or signs of low heart rate or low blood pressure such as profound weakness.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your pet is drooling heavily, pawing at the mouth, lip smacking, or refusing food after chewing a plant.
- ● There is vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, or shaking after exposure to holly, poinsettia, mistletoe, or amaryllis.
- ● The exposure involved a puppy, kitten, senior pet, or a pet with underlying heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- ● You are not sure which plant was eaten or how much was swallowed.
- ● Signs are lasting more than a few hours or getting worse instead of improving.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● A small nibble of poinsettia with only mild mouth irritation or one brief episode of vomiting may be monitored closely if your pet is otherwise acting normally.
- ● Christmas cactus is considered non-toxic, but stomach upset can still happen if a pet eats enough plant material.
- ● Even if signs seem mild, call your vet if you have any doubt about the plant identity or your pet's symptoms.
Calls related to toxic substance, plant, and poison exposures handled by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in 2024.
Increase in ASPCA poison control calls in 2024 compared with the year before.
Animals assisted nationwide by ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in 2024.
ASPCA Poison Control availability for animal poison emergencies, including plant exposures.
Top Dangers This Season
Mistletoe
American mistletoe is toxic to dogs and cats. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and larger exposures may lead to breathing trouble, low heart rate, low blood pressure, weakness, or collapse.
Holly
Holly leaves and berries are low-toxicity but still problematic. The spiny leaves can irritate the mouth, and pets may drool, shake the head, vomit, or develop diarrhea and depression.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia has an irritant sap. It is usually over-rated in toxicity, but it can still irritate the mouth and stomach and trigger drooling or vomiting.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is toxic, and the bulb is the most poisonous part. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, low appetite, depression, and sometimes tremors.
Lilies in holiday bouquets
Lilies are an especially serious danger for cats. Even small exposures, including pollen or vase water, can lead to kidney failure and require immediate veterinary care.
Christmas tree water and fallen needles
Tree water may contain bacteria, mold, or additives that upset the stomach, and fallen needles do not digest well and can irritate the digestive tract.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe
Simple prevention steps can make holiday decorating much safer for dogs and cats.
- Choose pet-safer décor when possible, such as Christmas cactus instead of toxic holiday plants.
- Keep mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, lilies, and yew completely out of reach or out of the home.
- Check holiday bouquets carefully, especially if you have cats, because lilies can be life-threatening.
- Place plants on stable surfaces so pets cannot pull them down, chew them, or drink from the water.
- Sweep up fallen berries, leaves, and tree needles promptly.
- Tell guests not to leave bouquets, centerpieces, or gift plants where pets can investigate them.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your pet chews a Christmas plant, act quickly and call your vet for guidance.
- Remove your pet from the plant and take away any remaining leaves, berries, bulbs, or water.
- Gently wipe plant material from the mouth and fur if your pet will allow it safely.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison expert specifically tells you to do so.
- Take a photo of the plant or bring the label with you so your vet can identify it quickly.
- Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or ASPCA Poison Control right away if the plant is toxic, the amount is unknown, or your pet has symptoms.
- Go to an emergency animal hospital immediately for breathing trouble, collapse, repeated vomiting, tremors, seizures, or any lily exposure in a cat.
Christmas plant danger FAQs
Are poinsettias really dangerous to pets?
Which Christmas plants are most dangerous for pets?
What symptoms can Christmas plants cause in pets?
Is Christmas cactus safe for dogs and cats?
Should I wait and see or call a vet right away?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.