Complete Veterinary Guide To Poisonous Houseplants

Although frequently accused of being poisonous, poinsettias are only mildly irritating to the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs.

If your cat eats poinsettia leaves, you may notice that she starts drooling or even vomiting. Fortunately, the symptoms of poinsettia toxicity are mild and self-limiting.

You may want to rinse out your cat’s (or dog’s) mouth with some water, but there is no reason to become overly concerned or rush to the vet.

However, there are some common holiday plants that are quite toxic to pets.

This complete guide covers both safe and poisonous holiday plants for cats and dogs.

Toxicity to other homestead animals is noted where appropriate.

Cats are the most likely to chew and nibble at plants, although many dogs will also take a taste. If you know your cat or dog already has the habit of eating your houseplants, then you definitely want to make sure you place your plants out of reach of your pet.

Dogs and cats don’t digest plant material very well, so even ‘non-toxic’ plants can cause some upset stomach and vomiting. The danger in ingesting plants comes when the plant contains a toxin or has an abrasive surface that can damage the intestinal wall.

The toxicity of plants is generally dose-dependent, so cats and small dogs are more easily affected.

I included all kinds of plants that are commonly displayed or gifted during the holiday season. As you read through the list, they increase in toxicity. So the plants at the top of the list are generally considered safe while those at the bottom are potentially lethal.

If you don’t see the plant you are looking for, you can search for it on the ASPCA website.

The information in this list is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, you should not hesitate to call your veterinarian.

What should you do if your pet is sick after eating one of these plants?

• Never give your pet any medications to stop the vomiting or diarrhea without speaking to your veterinarian first.  It is not always appropriate to try to prevent vomiting. The vomiting may actually be helping your pet get rid of the toxic substance.
• Do offer water to your pet, but do not try to force them to drink it. Distressed pets may inadvertently bite you if your hands are in their mouth when they become ill.
• For mild vomiting and diarrhea, you can offer your pet some plain, boiled chicken and plain white rice for one or two meals. Mix 2 parts rice with one part chicken. No salt, butter, or seasonings.
• Call your veterinarian if you notice anything from the following list.

You should always speak to a veterinarian if:

• Your pet has vomited more than 3 times in 3 hours.
• Your pet has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• Your pet has ingested any of these plants and is showing symptoms of illness.
• You see blood in your pet’s vomit-may be bright red or have the appearance of coffee grounds.
• You see blood in your pet’s stool-may be bright red, red jelly-like consistency, or black stools.
• Your pet is lethargic, hiding, refusing food, or having accidents in the house.
• Your pet has passed out, does not respond to your voice, or is having seizures.

Here is the complete guide to safe and poisonous holiday plants for pet owners.

Rosemary

• Other names: Rosmarinus
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

If you have a cat that likes to chew on plants, rosemary is a good choice for your home. You can place miniature Christmas trees made of rosemary wherever you need a festive touch. Plus, their lovely smell is quite appealing…unless you’re a cat.

“Frosty Fern” Club Moss

• Other names: Cushion moss, spikemoss, Irish moss
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

Fairly new to holiday plant selection, Frosty Fern is not actually a fern. It’s a variety of club moss with pretty frosted tips. I have seen some claims that this plant is toxic to cats, however, in veterinary literature, club moss is considered non-toxic.

Orchids

• Other names: Phalaenopsis Orchid, Moth Orchid
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

Orchids make beautiful houseplants. The most common type of orchid sold in the US, Phalaenopsis, is not toxic to pets. Because orchids are safe for cats and dogs, they are a good houseplant choice for pet owners.

Christmas Cactus

• Other names: Holiday cactus, Easter cactus, crab cactus
• Potential toxicity: SAFE
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: mild to none. May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested.

Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care. Although it may cause an upset stomach, Christmas cactus is not toxic to cats or dogs. If your pet has eaten some of your Christmas cactus and is throwing up, just give them a bit of time. The symptoms should resolve on their own within a few hours.

Bromeliads

• Other names: Blushing bromeliad
• Potential toxicity: SAFE

A festive choice for households with pets, the bromeliads are easy to grow and non-toxic to pets.

Christmas trees

• Other names: fir, pine, spruce
• Potential toxicity: mild
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: abrasion and irritation of the mouth and intestinal tract possible

 

The toxicity of Christmas trees is not due to a toxin within the plant, but rather a side effect of tree needles causing irritation or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.

If you think that your pet has ingested the leaves/needles of your Christmas tree, keep an eye out for loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea with or without blood. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms.

The decorations on your Christmas tree can also be a hazard to pets. Broken glass, small ornaments, and tinsel can cause intestinal disorders in pets. Take care to place tree ornaments and decorations out of reach of your cats and dogs.

Poinsettias

• Other names: Euphorbia, Christmas flower
• Potential toxicity: mild to none
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting

Poinsettia plants are popular during the holidays for their bright red leaves. While it is commonly touted as a toxic plant, poinsettias are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

All parts of the poinsettia plant can be mildly irritating to the mouth and stomach. So pets who ingest a significant amount of poinsettia plant parts may experience some drooling or vomiting.

The illness is self-limiting and should go away on its own within a few hours. Provide access to fresh water, and rinse the mouth if needed. Poinsettia ingestion usually does not require a trip to the veterinarian.

If you love growing poinsettias for the holidays, check out these tips to keep your plants healthy!

Holly

• Other names: American holly, Inkberry, Winterberry, Christmas holly
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression

It’s hard to imagine wanting to chew on a spiny holly leaf, isn’t it? But pets have done stranger things! Both the leaves and berries of this plant are toxic to pets. They can also be very irritating to the oral mucosa and the lining of the intestinal tract.

Treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Blood in the vomit or stool warrants a visit to the vet.

• Other animals affected: horses. Goats and chickens can become ill if they eat the berries.

Hellebore

• Other names: Christmas rose, Lenten rose, Easter rose
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs, cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy

All parts of this lovely plant are toxic. Although uncommon, extreme cases may require veterinary intervention.

If your pet has eaten some of the hellebore plant and is exhibiting symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, you should contact your veterinarian for medical advice.

• Other animals affected: horses

Note that this is not the same thing as ‘False Hellebore’ which can cause severe toxicity in livestock. Here is some information about the toxicity of false hellebore.

Amaryllis

• Other names: Many. Belladonna lily, Pink Lady, Naked Lady, Fire lily,
• Potential toxicity: mild to moderate
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, tremors

The most toxic part of the Amaryllis plant is the bulb which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include low blood pressure, lethargy, and tremors.

Symptoms are usually self-limiting, however, supportive care may be required if the vomiting and diarrhea are severe.

• Other animals affected: horses, goats

Cyclamen

• Other names: Sowbread
• Potential toxicity: mild to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death are possible if the tubers are eaten.

Cyclamen are lovely flowering plants that can be found in festive red and green colors. The leaves and flowers of this plant will cause mild to moderate GI upset in cats and dogs. However, if a large amount of the tubers (bulbous root segments) are ingested, cats and dogs can experience heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

If you suspect your pet has ingested the tubers of this plant, then you should call your veterinarian right away. For mild vomiting or diarrhea, you may be able to monitor your pet at home.

• Other animals affected: horses

English Ivy

• Other names: Branching Ivy, California Ivy, many others
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea

Commonly grown for its evergreen foliage, this houseplant can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. The leaves are the most toxic portion of the plant, but secretions from cut portions of the plant can also cause a painful dermatitis. Less commonly, pets may experience excitement or convulsions.

Treatment for ingestion of ivy is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Rarely, ivy can cause severe illness that requires hospitalization.

• Other animals affected: horses, goats, cows, chickens

Mistletoe

• Other names: American mistletoe, European mistletoe
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, stumbling, seizures, potentially lethal

The American mistletoe is said to be less toxic than the European variety. However, all mistletoe has the potential to cause disease. All parts of the mistletoe plant are toxic to pets, but the berries are more likely to cause severe symptoms. Symptoms of toxicity from mistletoe may occur several hours after ingestion of the plant.

Because the symptoms of mistletoe toxicity can be severe, you should always seek veterinary care if you think your pet has eaten this plant. Your vet may recommend to induce vomiting and administer charcoal. Your pet may also need to be hospitalized overnight if inducing vomiting is not an option and/or symptoms of toxicity are present.

• Other animals affected: horses

Jerusalem Cherry

• Other names: Winter cherry, Natal cherry
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea possibly with blood, seizures, difficulty breathing, shock

All parts of the Jerusalem cherry plant are toxic. The berries look like little cherry tomatoes, but they are the most toxic part of the plant. If you think your pet has eaten some of your Jerusalem cherry plant, you should contact your veterinarian right away. Supportive therapy and hospitalization may be required.

• Other animal affected: horses, goats, cows, chickens

Narcissus

• Other names: daffodils, paperwhites
• Potential toxicity: moderate to severe
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rarely seizures and death

While the entire Narcissus plant is toxic to pets, ingestion of the bulbs will cause the most severe symptoms. Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms, however, it is possible for pets to develop seizures, shock, and death.

If your pet has eaten some of your Narcissus plant, you should seek veterinary care. Induction of vomiting and administration of charcoal may be recommended.

Other animals affected: horses, cows, goats, pigs

Lilies

• Other names: many. All types of lilies are toxic to cats
• Potential toxicity: severe, possibly fatal
• Animals affected: cats
• Symptoms: vomiting, decreased appetite, kidney failure

Lilies are beautiful flowers and often have a strong pleasant scent. However, lilies can be extremely dangerous in households with cats. All parts of a lily plant are toxic to cats. If you think your cat may have eaten some of your lily plant, get to your veterinarian right away. With immediate intervention, we can sometimes correct the kidney disease.

Note that only lilies of the Lilium species are toxic. Canna lilies are not toxic to cats or dogs.

• Other animals affected: none.

Yew

• Other names: European yew, Common yew
• Potential toxicity: severe and fatal
• Animals affected: dogs and cats
• Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, gasping for air, sudden death

Yew is the most toxic of all the plants on this list. Both the leaves and the berries can cause a fatal toxicity. All mammals are susceptible to this lethal plant. Sometimes death comes so quickly that there are no other symptoms. Use extreme caution with this plant in households with children and pets.

• Other animals affected: Cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens

Tips for keeping pets safe from toxic houseplants:

• Keep all potentially toxic plants off the floor and tables. Pick up any leaves or berries that fall onto the floor right away.
• You can also hang your plants from hooks in the ceiling or plant stands.
• Discourage your pets from chewing on the leaves of all of your houseplants. Use a water spray gun to startle them when you catch them taking a nibble.

Although I am a veterinarian, I am not your veterinarian.

Your pet’s doctor is the best source to help you determine if your pet needs an examination. Never hesitate to call and ask your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health. That is why we are there. 👩‍⚕️

 

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