Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: all mistletoe — berries, leaves, and stems
Can Dogs Eat Mistletoe? No — Causes Vomiting and Cardiovascular Effects
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Mistletoe is toxic to dogs. Both American and European mistletoe cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in larger amounts cardiovascular and neurological effects. A particular concern during the holiday season when it is commonly used as decoration. All parts are toxic.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Toxic lectins and phoratoxins: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, ataxia, seizures with large amounts. Berries: most toxic and attractive to dogs. Holiday decoration exposure: high risk during Christmas.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet if consumed — particularly if berries eaten. Monitor for vomiting and cardiovascular symptoms.
What to Avoid
all mistletoe — berries, leaves, and stems
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 0
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Mistletoe contains toxic lectins and phoratoxins — compounds that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. American mistletoe (Phoradendron) and European mistletoe (Viscum album) are both toxic though American mistletoe causes primarily gastrointestinal symptoms while European mistletoe has more cardiovascular effects. The white berries are the most toxic part and particularly attractive to dogs. Holiday mistletoe decorations must be kept completely out of dog reach.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety assessmentIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Dog Food Toxicity CalculatorCheck severity based on your dog's weight
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dangerous Foods Dogs Cannot EatThe toxic foods list every owner should know
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Online Vet ServicesAsk a vet online right now
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Mistletoe for Dogs safe for dogs?
- No, Mistletoe for Dogs is not safe for dogs. Mistletoe is toxic to dogs. Both American and European mistletoe cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in larger amounts cardiovascular and neurological effects. A particular concern during the holiday season when it is commonly used as decoration. All parts are toxic.
- What happens if a dog eats Mistletoe for Dogs?
- If a dog eats Mistletoe for Dogs, they may experience: Toxic lectins and phoratoxins: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, ataxia, seizures with large amounts. Berries: most toxic and attractive to dogs. Holiday decoration exposure: high risk during Christmas.
- How much Mistletoe for Dogs can a dog eat?
- Mistletoe contains toxic lectins and phoratoxins — compounds that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. American mistletoe (Phoradendron) and European mistletoe (Viscum album) are both toxic though American mistletoe causes primarily gastrointestinal symptoms while European mistletoe has more cardiovascular effects. The white berries are the most toxic part and particularly attractive to dogs. Holiday mistletoe decorations must be kept completely out of dog reach.
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