9 Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs: Poinsettias, Mistletoe, and More

Holiday plants are a symbol of the season. But you may not be the only one who enjoys all the new decorations in your home. Your furry friends are more likely to see them as a snack or a toy.

Unfortunately, some of the most common holiday plants, like azaleas and poinsettias, can be toxic to cats and dogs. So before you deck the halls, it’s vital to know which plants should be kept away from your pets or kept out of the home altogether.

The following seven plants are among the most common dangers to pets. But this list isn’t exhaustive. If you aren’t sure about a plant, check out the ASPCA’s database of poisonous plants for pets.

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1. Poinsettias

Poinsettias are only mildly poisonous to cats and dogs. But the milky-white sap inside the plant can irritate your pet’s mouth, stomach, and skin. This can cause rashes, excessive drooling, and vomiting.

The symptoms are normally mild enough that medical intervention is rarely needed. But it’s best to keep these out of your house during the holidays.

2. Holly

The spiny leaves of the holly plant can lead to pet injury. And the berries are toxic to both cats and dogs and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.

Holly berries tend to fall off the plant over time. This makes them more accessible to your four-legged friends. Eating holly can harm your pet in many ways, so consider skipping this holiday plant altogether.

3. Mistletoe

American mistletoe is less toxic than European mistletoe. But regardless of the type of mistletoe you have, be cautious with it around pets. Consuming the berries of American mistletoe can still lead to mild digestive distress.

Too much mistletoe of any type can cause severe reactions in dogs and cats, including seizures, low heart rate, and even death. Severe mistletoe toxicity is rare, but it can happen if your pet consumes large amounts.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Other toxic plants for cats: It’s not just holiday plants that you need to keep away from your curious feline. These plants are also toxic to cats.

• Foods that can make your cat sick: Do you know which foods are toxic to cats? Keep your favorite feline away from these poisonous human snacks.

• No chocolate for dogs: Though dogs may want a bite out of your tasty sweets, chocolate is toxic to dogs. Here’s why it can make your pup very sick.

4. Azaleas

Even just a few azalea leaves can be fatal to both dogs and cats. The toxins in this plant can directly damage their skeletal systems and heart muscles, which can lead to symptoms like weakness and tremors. Azalea poisoning can also damage their central nervous system.

If you treat it in time, you may be able to help your pet recover. But this plant should be kept far away from your furry companions.

5. Lilies

Lilies will give your dog only a mild tummy ache. But these flowers are extremely dangerous to cats. Every part of the lily is toxic to felines, from the stem to its pollen. In fact, even licking up a few drops of pollen can send a cat into kidney failure within 3 days.

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Cats will start showing symptoms within 12 hours of ingesting lilies. Early signs of lily toxicity include:

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

• Decreased activity level

The symptoms begin to escalate into kidney damage within 24 hours. Your cat may have excessive urination and increased dehydration. You may notice them drinking a large amount of water.

It is crucial to get your cat treated as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms. This will improve your chances of preventing irreversible kidney damage. After the first 18 hours of ingestion, the chances of your cat surviving lily poisoning are much lower.

6. Christmas trees

Christmas trees are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. They can cause digestive irritation if ingested by cats because they are very sensitive to the oils found in the tree’s sap.

But don’t forget about the water your tree sits in. It often contains fertilizer or bacteria since it’s sitting water. If your pet drinks this water, they may have stomach issues, such as diarrhea.

There are some other precautions you should take to make sure your pet is safe around the tree. For example, anchor your tree down to prevent it from falling over and injuring your pet.

You can still keep a tree in the home, but be sure to take some time to make it pet proof.

7. Amaryllis

Amaryllis flowers add a joyous burst of red to your home. But it’s best to pass on this plant, which is toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves, stems, and bulbs of amaryllis can lead to symptoms such as:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• A drop in blood pressure

• Breathing problems

• Abdominal pain

8. Yew

Yew is a type of evergreen that sprouts festive red berries. This plant is popular in winter holiday decorations and arrangements. But yew is toxic to both cats and dogs. Yew can lead to poisoning symptoms, such as:

• Tremors

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting

• Seizures (in dogs)

• Heart failure

All varieties of yew — including American, English, and Japanese yew — can also lead to sudden death in pets. So it’s best to keep yew far away from your home if you have furry friends.

9. Christmas rose

Despite its festive name, Christmas rose is toxic to cats and dogs. This flowering plant can lead to symptoms in pets, such as:

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Depression

• Drooling

• Colic

Quiz: Which plants are toxic to your dog?

Signs and symptoms of poisoning in cats and dogs

The symptoms of poisoning in your dog or cat can look different depending on the plant. But there are some common signs that you can look for.

Most of these plants will create digestive distress in dogs and cats. This can look like:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Excessive drooling

• Lack of appetite

• Weakness or lethargy

Other symptoms can include:

• Confusion

• Racing heart rate

• Head shaking or lip licking

• Excessive thirst or urination

What to do if your pet ingests one of these toxic Christmas plants

If you suspect your pet ate a toxic plant, the sooner you act, the better. Call your regular veterinarian first. They’re familiar with your pet’s medical history. If your regular vet is not available, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.

You can also get immediate help from a pet poison helpline, which is available for a fee. The Pet Poison Hotline and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are two options. Both are open 24-7, but they charge a consultation fee. You can reach the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 and the APCC at 888-426-4435.

Both hotlines have a team of credentialed veterinary professionals. They will help you decide if you can watch your pet at home or if they need immediate treatment. If they recommend you go to the vet, they will inform your pet’s regular vet of the situation.

Is there a way to prevent your pet from eating your holiday plants?

To lower the chances of your pet nibbling on these Yuletide plants, keep them out of reach or out of the house altogether. Here are some other steps you can take to try to keep your pet safe from accidental consumption.

Keep your garbage cans sealed

Dogs and cats love to dig around your trash bin for treasures. Securing all garbage cans will prevent your pet from tampering with discarded plants.

Keep your pets entertained

If a pet is bored and doesn’t have enough enrichment at home, they are more likely to investigate your plants. Helping your pet exercise their curiosity and use up excess energy may prevent destructive behaviors.

Teach your dog to ‘drop it’

Being able to get your dog to let go of objects on command can save their life. Proper training can help you get control of the situation before it gets out of hand.

Choose holiday plants that are safe for cats and dogs

The best option is to keep toxic plants out of the house. There are plenty of pet-safe alternatives:

• Moth orchids are a great option to replace lilies, and they last longer too.

• Bromeliads have the same effect as poinsettias but are safe for your pet to nibble on.

• Christmas cacti come in many forms, with some dazzling blooms.

• Autumn olives look like holly and mistletoe, but they are not toxic to pets.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sophia Keller

Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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