| Plant | For dogs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Amaryllis | Toxic, bulb worst | Grow kits up high |
| Mistletoe | Toxic | Hang out of reach |
| Tree needles and stand water | Mild, a lot can block the gut | Cover the stand, sweep daily |
| Holly | Mild | Sweep fallen berries |
| Poinsettia | Mild | Fine up high |
| Lilies | Not known to harm dogs | Vase out of reach anyway |
| Christmas cactus | Non-toxic | The safe swap |
At a glance
- Amaryllis and mistletoe are the holiday plants that are toxic to dogs, and an amaryllis bulb is the worst part.
- Poinsettia, holly and tree needles are mild, though a lot of needles can block the gut.
- True lilies are not known to harm dogs, and Christmas cactus is safe.
- Dog chewed a plant? Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
In this guide7 sections
Amaryllis: toxic to dogs, and the bulb is the worst part
Amaryllis is toxic to dogs. Chewed flowers and leaves bring vomiting and diarrhea. The bulb is more toxic: eaten in a large amount, it can cause weakness, tremors, seizures and changes in blood pressure. Grow kits arrive as gifts and land on coffee tables at nose height. Put the pot up high, and keep loose bulbs in a closed cupboard.
Mistletoe: toxic, keep it high
American mistletoe is toxic to dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhea. It can also slow the heart and, rarely, drop blood pressure. Hang it well above nose height and pick up any sprig that falls.
Christmas tree: needles are mild, a pile is not
Spruce and fir needles can irritate the mouth and stomach, with vomiting and drooling. A large amount can block the gut, because needles don't digest well. Tree water breeds bacteria that can cause nausea and diarrhea. Cover the stand and sweep up needles daily, before a bored dog does it for you.
Holly and poinsettia: mild
Holly causes vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lethargy; the leaves and berries are low in toxicity. Sweep up fallen berries from the floor.
Poinsettia sap irritates the mouth and stomach and sometimes causes vomiting, but the plant is overrated in toxicity. What to watch for after a chew: are poinsettias poisonous to dogs.
Lilies: not known to harm dogs
True lilies are non-toxic to dogs. The Easter lily is the same: cats are the only species known to be affected. A holiday bouquet mixes flowers, though, so keep the vase out of reach.
Safe plants: Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus is non-toxic to dogs. A big chew may still cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but nothing serious is expected. It is the easiest swap for an amaryllis.
Dog chewed a holiday plant? What to do now
- Take the plant away, and check the mouth for leftover pieces.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both answer 24/7, and a fee may apply.
- Note what the plant was, which part, about how much and when. Keep the plant or its tag nearby.
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Cat in the house too? Lilies change everything for cats: holiday plants toxic to cats.
Your next move
Questions people ask
Are lilies toxic to dogs?
True lilies (Lilium), including the Easter lily, are not known to harm dogs; cats are the only species known to be affected. Other flowers in a bouquet may still upset a dog's stomach.
Is a Christmas cactus toxic to dogs?
No. Christmas cactus is non-toxic to dogs. A big chew may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea, but nothing serious is expected.
Are Christmas trees toxic to dogs?
Mildly. Needles irritate the mouth and stomach, and a large amount can block the gut because needles don't digest well. Stand water breeds bacteria that can upset a stomach.
Is mistletoe poisonous to dogs?
Yes. American mistletoe causes vomiting and diarrhea and can slow the heart. Hang it out of reach.
