Toxic to dogs · Plants

Is Holly toxic to dogs?

Moderate severity

Yes, Holly is toxic to dogs. It can cause real illness, so contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lip smacking
  • Drooling
  • Head shaking
  • Mechanical injury
  • Gastrointestinal upset

How vets treat it

Keep plants out of reach; contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for specific treatment recommendations if ingestion is suspected.

Why it's dangerous

Toxicity occurs through the ingestion of saponins and other compounds, combined with mechanical injury to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract caused by the spiny leaves.

Toxic compound: Saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens

Good to know

The spiny leaves contribute significantly to the clinical signs through mechanical irritation.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

· How we prepare our guides

More substances toxic to dogs

Iris Moderate severity Jack-in-the-Pulpit Moderate severity Poinciana Moderate severity Shamrock Moderate severity Everything toxic to dogs →

Barcode food checks, now on iPhone.

Scan a product's barcode with StrawPaw to spot ingredients that can harm dogs and cats. The app is free to download.

Download on the App Store