Is mistletoe poisonous to dogs?

Updated 11/05/2023

This holiday, you may well be tempted to give your pooch a smooch under a sprig of mistletoe (and who could blame you?). But before you do, consider this: is mistletoe poisonous for dogs? Let’s find out…

Can dogs eat mistletoe?

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, there are several different types of mistletoe that are poisonous to dogs, including American mistletoe and European mistletoe. 

All parts of the mistletoe plant are potentially toxic, but especially the leaves and stems, more so than the berries. For our canine companions, consuming mistletoe can lead to a number of nasty symptoms (more on that later), but is considered generally to be of fairly low toxicity unless vast quantities are eaten.

Mistletoe poisoning

So, is mistletoe toxic to dogs? Yes, and the symptoms of mistletoe toxicity can be uncomfortable, although are unlikely to cause severe harm.

Symptoms

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, here are some of the main symptoms of mistletoe poisoning to look out for: 

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Very rarely, it can cause further, more severe symptoms:

• Abnormal heart rate
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Ataxia (wobbly on their feet)
• Seizures

How bad your pup's symptoms are can vary, depending on how much of this festive shrub they managed to wolf down. In most cases, symptoms are mild and occur within a few hours of eating the plant.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your dog ate mistletoe, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible - even if they’re not yet experiencing any symptoms. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when your pets are concerned. You can also call the call Pet Poison Helpline while on the way for further advice. 

Your vet is likely to give your pooch a full examination on arrival, and will probably run a series of tests to check things like your pet’s temperature, reflexes, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory system. 

Be prepared to let your vet know all your pet's details (such as their age, weight, and overall bill of health), as well as which parts of the mistletoe you suspect your dog ate, how much they may have eaten, and any symptoms you've noticed so far. If possible, bring the plant along with you.

Treatments

Of course, each case is different and only your vet will be able to advise on the steps and treatment needed to ensure your pooch’s safety. 

Depending on the volume of mistletoe eaten, and the symptoms your pet is displaying, your vet may advise just to keep a close eye on your pup. However, it's possible your vet may look to remove the toxins by inducing vomiting, they may also administer IV fluids to flush their body and prevent dehydration. They may prescribe some medication, and it's possible they may want to keep your pet in observation for  24 hours. 

Of course, prevention is always better than cure. So, while it is a holiday staple, we'd suggest playing it safe and keeping mistletoe out of the way this festive season. You can still give your pooch a good ol' smooch, in any case.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Other plants that are poisonous for dogs

Unfortunately, there are plenty more poisonous plants that dogs should avoid. Most plants will only cause mild toxicity, but bulbs can be problematic, especially if eaten in large quantities. Here are some more classic winter plants that pet parents should keep well out of paw's reach: 

• Poinsettia 
• Holly 
• Ivy 
• Snowdrops
• Laurel
• Oak