Is Poinsettia Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Mildly Toxic

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Is poinsettia toxic to cats?

Cats · Mildly toxic

Mildly. Poinsettia is mildly toxic to cats. Signs to watch for: drooling, licking lips, vomiting and skin or eye irritation from the sap.

Is poinsettia toxic to dogs?

Dogs · Mildly toxic

Mildly. Poinsettia is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs show the same signs as cats. Their milky sap contains substances that irritate the mouth, stomach and skin.

Why

Poinsettias have a reputation as deadly plants, but that is largely a myth. Their milky sap contains substances that irritate the mouth, stomach and skin.

Most pets that chew a poinsettia have only mild drooling or vomiting. It is still best to keep the plant out of reach, especially around the holidays when other hazards, such as chocolate and lilies, are also present.

How to recognize it

The bright red, pink or white "petals" of a poinsettia are actually colored leaves called bracts, surrounding tiny yellow flowers in the center. It is sold everywhere as a potted plant around Christmas.

Signs to watch for

Drooling
Licking lips
Vomiting
Skin or eye irritation from the sap

What to do

Rinse the mouth and wash any sap off the skin or fur.
Contact a vet if vomiting persists.
Display poinsettias out of reach of pets.

Where did the "deadly poinsettia" story come from, and why does it persist?

The belief that poinsettias kill pets has circulated for about a century, and it keeps coming back every December. Veterinary toxicology references, including the ASPCA and the Merck Veterinary Manual, describe the plant as an irritant rather than a serious poison. The effects come from the milky sap, and they usually stay in the mouth and stomach.

The myth has a real cost. Owners who panic about the poinsettia on the coffee table sometimes miss the plants and foods nearby that are far more dangerous during the same season.

Which holiday plants deserve more worry than the poinsettia?

Poinsettias rarely arrive alone. Holiday bouquets and gift baskets often mix several plants, and some of them are much more serious for pets.

True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies in bouquets: a small amount can cause kidney failure in cats.
Amaryllis bulbs: often sold as gift kits, and the bulb is the most toxic part.
Holly and mistletoe: both are listed as toxic by the ASPCA, and the berries are what pets tend to eat.
Christmas cactus is a friendlier choice: the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is the sap a problem on skin and in the eyes?

Poinsettia sap can be a problem on skin and in the eyes. The sap that irritates the mouth can also redden skin and sting the eyes. A cat that brushes past a broken stem and then grooms, or a dog that rubs its face in a fallen branch, may end up with sap in both places.

Rinse the fur with plenty of water and mild soap. If an eye looks red, stays half closed or keeps watering, call a vet, since eye irritation can hide a scratch on the surface of the eye.

Poinsettias belong to the spurge family (Euphorbia), and several relatives sold as houseplants, such as pencil cactus and crown of thorns, have a similar milky, irritating sap. Treat any plant with white sap as one to keep away from pets.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Common questions

Is poinsettia poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Poinsettia is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Poinsettias can irritate the mouth and stomach, but serious poisoning is rare.

Is it safe to keep poinsettia in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Display poinsettias out of reach of pets.

What should I do if my pet chews poinsettia?

Rinse the mouth and wash any sap off the skin or fur. Contact a vet if vomiting persists.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of poinsettia?

Orchids and African violet are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

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Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).