Is Poinsettia Toxic to Pets?
Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Toxic compound
- Irritating milky sap (diterpenoid esters)
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and sap
- Also known as
- christmas flower, christmas star
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
What to do
If your cat ate poinsettia
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate poinsettia
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate poinsettia
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Poinsettias have a scary reputation but are only mildly toxic. Expect drooling and maybe vomiting.
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Frequently asked questions
Is poinsettia toxic to cats?
Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Is poinsettia toxic to dogs?
Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Is poinsettia toxic to horses?
Yes — poinsettia is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Which parts of poinsettia are toxic?
Leaves and sap.
What makes poinsettia toxic?
Irritating milky sap (diterpenoid esters).
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