Is Mistletoe Toxic to Dogs?
Also known as: American Mistletoe, European Mistletoe, Viscum album · Viscum album / Phoradendron serotinum
What makes it toxic
Viscotoxins and lectins concentrated in leaves and berries, plus tyramine in American mistletoe. They irritate the GI tract and in higher doses lower blood pressure and disturb cardiac conduction.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain within hours. Significant ingestions can produce weakness, wobbliness, a slow irregular pulse and collapse.
What to do if your dog eats it
Take away remaining plant material and call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately — do not simply wait and see. Repeated vomiting, fainting or collapse is an ER emergency.
Common questions
My dog ate one berry off the doorframe — how bad is that?
A single berry often causes only mild signs, but mistletoe potency varies and dogs vary in size, so call your vet for case-specific advice rather than guessing.
Which is more dangerous, mistletoe or holly?
Both are holiday hazards: holly mainly upsets the stomach, while mistletoe adds cardiovascular risk. Keep both out of reach.
Is cooked or dried mistletoe still toxic?
Yes. The toxins are not reliably destroyed by drying or heat, so old decorations and dried sprigs count too.
More plants checked for dogs
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.