Toxic to dogs · Plants

Is Mistletoe toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity

Yes, Mistletoe is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • abnormal heart rate
  • collapse
  • hypotension
  • ataxia
  • seizures
  • death

How vets treat it

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

Why it's dangerous

Ingestion causes gastrointestinal irritation, while large amounts can lead to cardiovascular instability and neurological dysfunction due to the presence of toxic lectins and alkaloids.

Toxic compound: polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins

Good to know

The American variety (Phoradendron serotinum) is generally less toxic than the European variety (Viscum album).

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

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