Is Holly / mistletoe (holiday plants) toxic to dogs & cats?
Also known as: holly / mistletoe / holiday greens
🚑 What to do right after ingestion
Remove plant remains and observe 24 hours; see the vet after mistletoe berries or lethargy/rhythm changes.
Toxicity notes
Holly leaves contain saponins (GI irritation); mistletoe (especially berries) affects heart and nerves — often overlooked as decoration.
Poisoning symptoms
- • Drooling
- • Vomiting and diarrhea
- • Lethargy
- • Abnormal heart rhythm (mistletoe, large amounts)
Symptoms can be delayed (e.g. onion/garlic-induced hemolysis may take days) — a pet looking fine right now is no reason to relax.
FAQ
How much causes poisoning?
Holly leaves contain saponins (GI irritation); mistletoe (especially berries) affects heart and nerves — often overlooked as decoration.
Can I make my pet vomit at home?
Home-induced vomiting is not advised: corrosive cleaners, sharp bones or existing neurological signs make it dangerous, and improper technique risks aspiration pneumonia. Vomiting should be induced by a vet with proper drugs at the right moment — most effective within 1-2 hours. So “head to the clinic as soon as you know” beats “try to induce vomiting first”.
Even without symptoms, use the symptom checker to review what to watch for
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