Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to My Dog? Vet-Approved Answer

Dogster_Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs

Poinsettias are poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, but don’t tear down your Christmas decorations just yet because they’re not as poisonous as you would think.

The famous crimson-pointed flowers are only mildly toxic, meaning the signs related to poisoning are rarely serious. Generally, you can expect some mouth and stomach irritation and maybe some vomiting, depending on how much your dog ate. Other than that, your dog should be just fine. Still, if you’re concerned about the way your dog is acting, it’s always best to get them checked out by a vet right away.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Why Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Dogs?

The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is part of a large family of flowering plants. Some plants are food sources, others are used for medicinal purposes, and others create beautiful waxes and oils.

Many of these plants are safe to handle and eat. However, some plants in this family contain poisonous fruits, leaves, and sap, and poinsettias fall into this category. The latex-like sap found in the famous Christmas flower irritates the skin and eyes after contact. Interestingly, scientists don’t know why this is, but they assume phorbol esters are the main culprits.

a red poinsettia flower
Image Credit: 5zal_Photography, Pixabay

Signs of Poinsettia Poisoning

The good news is that Poinsettias are not deadly to your dog, so you can still keep them around the house for the holidays. Just keep the plant out of reach of your dog.

If worse comes to worst and your dog eats the plant, you can expect these signs:

  • Mouth irritation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Eye irritation
  • Drooling
  • Licking lips

The degree of these signs varies based on how much of the plant your dog eats. Usually, dogs experience only mild signs, as the irritant and bitter sap put them off ingesting large quantities.

If your dog is showing signs of poinsettia poisoning, we suggest you speak to a vet.

Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

How Is Poinsettia Poisoning Treated?

Generally, the signs your dog will show after chewing on some poinsettias are mild, self-limiting, and do not require any special treatment.

If your dog has eaten a significant amount or is showing concerning signs, then you should contact a vet for advice straight away.

Occasionally, the vet may induce vomiting if your dog has eaten a large number of plants in the last few hours but never attempt to make your dog sick at home. Supportive care, like IV fluids, may also be needed.

As for skin, eye, and mouth irritation, you can flush the areas with fresh water, but your dog may require a special ointment from a vet to help ease the inflammation from the plant’s sap.

Other Toxic Holiday Plants

Several plants are toxic to dogs, but only a handful are commonly seen around the holidays. The most common are mistletoe, holly, and bulbs. Avoid these plants to keep your holiday fun safe and sound.

Poinsettias in full bloom
Image By: sandid, Pixabay

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Poinsettias pave the snowy path for the Christmas season. Even though they are technically poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, do not worry yourself sick about it just yet. Go ahead and decorate your home for the holidays, but just keep the plant out of reach for your dog!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Veronicatxoxo, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Big Do Whippets Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart (Vet-Verified)

Whippets are very similar to Italian Greyhounds in body structure. However, they are just a bit bigger. If you are interested in this...

Shih Tzu vs Havanese: Main Differences (With Info & Pictures)

There are a lot of toy and small dog breeds available, and if you’re looking for a petite pup with a precocious personality,...

9 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks Near Fairfield, OH You Can Visit Today

If you live in Fairfield, Ohio, or plan to visit it soon, you may wonder what there is for Fido to do. Directly...

Why Is My Dog Hiding Under The Bed? 5 Possible Reasons & How to Help (Vet-Reviewed)

Dogs sometimes go where they shouldn’t. We find them on the couch or in our bed, or they may try to sneak into...

More related

Akita Golden Retriever Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Akita Golden Retriever is an amazing mixed breed that brings together the strength and loyalty of the Akita and the friendly and...

Weeranian (Westie & Pomeranian Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you’re a big fan of cute tiny pups, you’ve probably got your eye on the Westie and Pomeranian. Both dogs are sweet,...

Buying Dog Food In Bulk: Benefits & Risks

According to statistics, the typical American dog owner spends an average of $1,380 annually on their dog’s basic expenses.1 While our pooches deserve...

Do Dogs Like Kids? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

If you grew up watching “Lassie” and other canine-centered TV shows or films, you might have a romantic view of the relationship between...

Keep reading

9 Best Grain-Free Senior Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re considering putting your dog on a grain-free diet, please speak to your vet first. But if your vet has sent you on a quest to find grain-free food for your senior dog, you’ve come to the right place....

close up of a dog eating from the bowl

Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Eggs are popular items in most American refrigerators. People use them in a wide variety of recipes, so it is only natural to wonder if dogs can eat them too. The short answer is yes. Your dog can eat eggs...

Can Dogs Eat_eggs

10 Best High Fiber Dog Foods for Constipation in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a pup who is constantly constipated on your hands, then you’re likely desperate for a solution (especially if nothing you’ve tried thus far seems to have helped). That’s where high fiber dog foods come in. Though it’s...

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Risks

Have you ever been out on a walk with your pup in the fall season and seen tiny apples littering the ground? Those are crab apples (Malus sylvestris), an older version of European cultivated apple species. These small apples are...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Crab Apples

Why Does My Dog Walk Away From Their Food? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

If you’re noticing that your dog likes to check out their food but doesn’t actually do much eating, it can be extremely frustrating. Or perhaps you’re finding that your dog is taking their food out of their bowl to eat...

dog not eating its food

10 Best Dog Food Toppers in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Providing nutritious food and treats for your canine is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. High-quality meals were once a niche market, but now, premium brand companies enjoy record sales. Although high-end pet food is typically produced with fewer fillers...

cute corgi dog eating dry dog food

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water? Dangers Of Chlorine & Saltwater

Some dogs are born natural swimmers,1 such as the Labrador Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog, and Otterhound. Freshwater water bodies can be hazardous since giardia can harm dogs and people.2 When you’re talking about pool water, it’s another story. The chemicals...

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water

How Much Should I Feed My Corgi? Vet-Reviewed Feeding Guide

Most Corgis love to eat. They’re food-driven, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But while you’ll never have to question how to motivate your Corgi, one thing you might have to worry about is their overeating. Corgis always want to...

Hungry Welsh corgi Pembroke or cardigan puppy eats from ceramic bowl standing on fleecy carpet