Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?

Yes, poinsettias are poisonous to dogs. However, they’re not as dangerous as some other plants.  

“While poinsettias have a reputation as a toxic plant, they are actually only mildly toxic to dogs,” says Veronica Villanueva, DVM, veterinarian and medical director at VEG Emergency Vet in Anaheim Hills, California.  

However, it’s still best to keep them away from your dog.  

The sap of the poinsettia plant is the most concerning part, says Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, senior veterinary toxicologist and DVM supervisor at Pet Poison Helpline in Bloomington, Minnesota. The poinsettia’s milky sap contains saponins, which are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) distress. 

According to Dr. Schmid, common symptoms of poinsettia poisoning in dogs include: 

• Drooling 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Lack of appetite  

The severity of the toxicity is generally mild, with mild stomach upset and lack of appetite that resolve without the need for medical attention.  

However, if signs of GI distress are persistent, this could lead to dehydration and the need for veterinary care, Dr. Schmid says.  

A rare complication can be skin irritation from exposure to the plant. 

If your dog ingests a poinsettia, take these steps:  

1. Gently remove any remaining plant pieces from their mouth. 
2. Offer them a small drink of water to help soothe any irritation. 
3. Confine your pup to a safe, quiet space and carefully watch for signs like excessive drooling, constant lip-licking, or vomiting. 

“For just tiny nibbles, you can often watch for very mild, brief symptoms like a bit of drooling,” says Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinarian at We Love Doodles in San Mateo, California.  

However, she notes, it’s always smart to err on the side of caution. If you’re concerned—or if your dog ate more than just a nibble—don’t be shy about calling for professional help.   

According to our experts, you should get help if your dog: 

• Has eaten a large amount of a poinsettia 
• Is showing persistent vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than two hours 
• Has blood in their vomit, bloody or black diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy 

It’s also smart to play it safe if you have a puppy or senior dog, or a dog who already has a medical condition.  

In addition to your veterinarian, you can phone:  

• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661; a consultation fee applies 
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply 

• Never induce vomiting yourself, as this may worsen inflammation or lead to other complications.  
• You can offer your dog a bland diet, like boiled chicken and rice, to help an upset stomach—if you’re in a pinch, grab a store-bought option.  
• Pumpkin specially formulated for dogs can be a good tummy soother.  
• Ask your vet if an anti-nausea medicine like Cerenia might help.  

If your home just isn’t holiday-ready without poinsettias, just take extra precautions to keep them from your pup:  

• Place plants on high shelves.  
• Use pet gates to block access to areas where plants are kept.  

• Replace some poinsettias with safer alternatives. You can swap them out for realistic faux versions, or opt for safer live plants like Christmas cacti, Dr. Kong says. 

Lots of holiday plants are unsafe for dogs—some more than others.   

While many may cause only mild upset, some—such as mistletoe—can do a lot more damage.  

That said, here are more plants to avoid:  

• Holly 
• Mistletoe 
• Lilies 
• Amaryllis 
• Ivy 
• Christmas tree: The Christmas tree itself isn’t toxic, but the sharp pine needles can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach if they chew on them. Also, the water in the tree stand can contain bacteria and toxic chemicals. 

You can find a more extensive list of plants that are toxic to dogs on the ASPCA’s website.  

Maybe—it’s unlikely to do any real damage, but keep a close eye on your dog. If they have persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or blood in their vomit, seek medical attention immediately.  

Yes. Eating mistletoe can lead to stomach issues, drooling, and diarrhea. If a dog consumes a large amount, it can cause more serious problems like low blood pressure, trouble breathing, seizures, and, in rare cases, even death. Call your veterinarian immediately.