Cut flower
Is Mistletoe toxic to cats and dogs?
Viscum album, Phoradendron species · also called European mistletoe, American mistletoe
Cats
ToxicDogs
ToxicMistletoe is toxic to cats and dogs. Small amounts usually cause stomach upset, but large amounts — especially of European mistletoe — can affect the heart and blood pressure.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Low heart rate and low blood pressure (large amounts)
- Weakness, wobbliness or collapse
What is harmful
- Parts
- All parts, especially berries and leaves
- Substance
- Lectins, phoratoxins and viscotoxins
The details
Mistletoe hung over a doorway is out of reach — until a sprig drops. Most reported cases involve mild vomiting and drooling, but because heart effects are possible, especially in small pets, every case deserves a call to the vet.
Artificial mistletoe avoids the problem entirely, though its plastic berries should also be kept away from pets.
Pet-safe alternatives
-
Christmas cactusNon-toxic
-
Moth orchidNon-toxic
- Roses in a bouquet (no lilies)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Questions owners ask
Is Mistletoe toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic to cats. Harmful parts: all parts, especially berries and leaves.
Is Mistletoe toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: all parts, especially berries and leaves.
What happens if a pet eats mistletoe?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, low heart rate and low blood pressure (large amounts), weakness, wobbliness or collapse.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
What are pet-safe alternatives to mistletoe?
Christmas cactus, Moth orchid, Roses in a bouquet (no lilies), Fresh rosemary sprigs.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
