Are Poinsettias, Holly, and Mistletoe Safe Around Dogs? What Every Dog Parent Should Know

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• Whether poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to dogs

• What symptoms to watch for if your dog ingests these plants

• Safe holiday plant alternatives for pet-friendly homes

• Practical tips to protect your dog during the festive season

The holidays are a time for festive decorations, glowing lights, and plenty of seasonal cheer—but if you’re a dog parent, it’s also a time to think about safety. While poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are holiday staples, are you a pet owners asking this question: Are poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe safe around dogs?

Holly belongs to the genus Ilex in the family Aquifoliaceae, which includes over 570 species. Some holly species, such as Ilex aquifolium, are native to Europe, while others are native to North America. Poinsettias, on the other hand, are native to Mexico and are part of the family Euphorbiaceae. Compared to other plants commonly found in homes during the holidays, such as ivy, these holiday plants each present unique risks to pets.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these classic holiday plants, what makes them risky, and how you can keep your pup happy and healthy all season long.

Introduction to Christmas Plants

Christmas plants are a beloved part of the winter holidays, filling our homes with color, tradition, and festive spirit. Among the most iconic are holly, poinsettia, and mistletoe—each bringing its own unique beauty and charm to the season. Holly stands out with its glossy, prickly leaves and clusters of bright red berries, while poinsettias dazzle with their colorful bracts in shades of red, pink, and white. Mistletoe, with its scarlet berries and evergreen foliage, is a classic symbol of Christmas cheer.

But while these Christmas plants add joy to our celebrations, it’s important to remember that many of them can pose risks to pets, children, and even adults if eaten or handled improperly. Holly berries, for example, are toxic to both humans and animals, and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Poinsettias, often misunderstood as highly toxic, are actually only mildly toxic to pets, but their milky white sap can still cause skin rash or irritation. American mistletoe is highly toxic, and mistletoe poisoning can lead to symptoms like low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and severe nausea or vomiting.

The Pet Poison Helpline and local poison control centers report that holly berries, poinsettia leaves, and mistletoe are among the most common sources of plant-related emergencies during the winter holidays. If you suspect your pet or child has eaten any part of these plants, it’s crucial to seek help right away.

To keep your home safe, always handle Christmas plants with care—wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from sap, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching leaves or stems. Place plants out of reach of pets and young children, and be mindful of fallen berries or leaves that could be tempting to curious animals.

Despite their risks, Christmas plants like holly (Ilex aquifolium) and poinsettias can be enjoyed year round with the right care, and there are hundreds of species and varieties to choose from. With a little awareness and some simple precautions, you can celebrate the beauty of these classic plants while keeping your family and pets safe all season long.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?

Poinsettias have long been rumored to be deadly to pets—but that’s a bit of an overstatement. Poinsettias are mildly toxic to dogs and are not highly toxic, despite common myths, meaning they’re unlikely to cause serious harm unless eaten in large quantities.

The plant’s milky white sap contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters, which can irritate a dog’s mouth, skin, and stomach. Poinsettias belong to the same family as other common houseplants, and their milky sap can also irritate the skin.

Poinsettias come in a variety of colors, including pink, green, and red, making them a popular holiday decoration.

Common symptoms if your dog eats poinsettia leaves or bracts include:

• Drooling or lip-licking

• Mild vomiting or diarrhea

• Pawing at the mouth or face

In rare cases, eating large amounts of poinsettia can cause more severe symptoms such as nausea vomiting, especially in children or pets.

According to the American Journal for Medical Emergencies, poinsettias are not poisonous to children or humans. The myth that a child died from eating poinsettia leaves is unsubstantiated. While poinsettias are generally safe for humans, it is still best to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

If you use poinsettias as cut flowers, handle the stem carefully and seal it properly to prolong the plant’s life and maintain its appearance. Poinsettias typically resume growth in summer; during this season, provide bright, indirect light and regular watering to encourage healthy regrowth.

While these symptoms are typically mild, it’s best to keep poinsettias out of your dog’s reach to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Is Holly Safe for Dogs?

Unlike poinsettias, holly is more dangerous for dogs. The bark of the holly tree is smooth and thin, often marked with small brown warts, which helps with identification. Both American and English holly have those classic spiky leaves and bright red berries that make them a holiday favorite—but they’re not so festive for our pups.

Holly can grow as a shrub or a tree. The holly leaf is glossy, dark green, and spiny, making it a key feature for identification. Holly leaves and berries contain theobromine, caffeine, and saponins, which can upset your dog’s stomach and cause vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea. The sharp leaves can also irritate their mouth and throat.

Holly produces small white flowers with four petals in early spring, and male and female flowers occur on separate plants. After pollination, female flowers develop into the bright red fruits (technically drupes) that are often called berries. Holly flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinating insects. These fruits serve as an important food source for birds and other animals during winter.

In short: Holly looks beautiful, but keep it out of paw’s reach. Artificial holly gives you the same holiday look without the risk.

If your dog eats holly leaves or berries, watch for:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

The spiny leaves can also irritate your dog’s mouth and throat. If you suspect your dog ingested holly, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for guidance.

Pro tip: Consider using artificial holly for decoration instead—it looks just as festive without the risk.

Is Mistletoe Toxic to Dogs?

Mistletoe is the most dangerous of the three holiday plants. Both American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) and European mistletoe (Viscum album) contain viscotoxins and lectins, which can cause serious poisoning if ingested in significant amounts.

Symptoms of mistletoe toxicity in dogs include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Low blood pressure

• Difficulty breathing

• Slowed heart rate

• Collapse or seizures (in severe cases)

Even small amounts of mistletoe can make your dog sick, so it’s safest to avoid bringing real mistletoe into your home altogether.

Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Dogs

The winter holidays bring a burst of color into our homes with classic Christmas plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias. But while these festive decorations look beautiful, their bright red berries, colorful bracts, and glossy leaves can pose a real danger to curious dogs. If your pet has eaten or chewed on any part of these plants, it’s important to know what symptoms to watch for.

Dog-Safe Holiday Plant Alternatives

Want to deck the halls without worrying about your dog’s safety? Try these pet-friendly options instead:

• Christmas cactus: Festive and non-toxic to dogs

• Bromeliads: Colorful and easy to care for

• Spider plants: Great indoor greenery that’s safe for pups

• Artificial poinsettias or mistletoe: Realistic and risk-free

These alternatives bring the same holiday warmth—without the worry.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holidays

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your dog safe this season.

1. Keep Plants Out of Reach

Display all plants (real or artificial) on high shelves or mantels where your dog can’t reach them.

2. Skip the Real Mistletoe and Holly

Use artificial versions to eliminate the risk of accidental ingestion.

3. Supervise Your Pup

Dogs love to explore new smells and textures—especially when decorations come out. Keep an eye on your pup to prevent unwanted snacking.

4. Clean Up Fallen Leaves or Berries

Even if plants are displayed safely, fallen debris can be tempting for curious noses.

5. Know What to Do in an Emergency

If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet immediately or contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

The Bottom Line: Keep the Holidays Merry and Safe

So, are poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe safe around dogs? Not really—but with awareness and a few safety swaps, you can still enjoy a festive, beautiful home while keeping your furry friend safe.

Choose pet-friendly decorations, stay alert to your dog’s behavior, and remember that a healthy dog is the best holiday gift of all.

At Scenthound, We’re Here for Dog Parents Like You

At Scenthound, we help dog parents become more confident, informed, and proactive about their dog’s health and well-being. From routine hygiene like bathing and nail trimming to educational resources that help you understand your dog’s needs, we’re your partner in dog wellness all year long.

Because a clean, healthy, and happy dog starts with a confident dog parent. Find more information and tips here.