Is American Mistletoe toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is American Mistletoe for pets?
Phoratoxins and viscumin (lectins) cause vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and low heart rate; difficulty breathing is possible with large ingestions. The classic holiday decoration plant: keep sprigs and berries well out of reach.
Phoradendron leucarpum
Also called: Christmas Mistletoe.
What makes it toxic
- Toxalbumin
- Pharatoxin viscumin (lectins, phoratoxins)
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure (rare)
- Difficulty breathing
- Low heart rate
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about American Mistletoe
Is American Mistletoe toxic to cats?
Yes, American Mistletoe is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is American Mistletoe toxic to dogs?
Yes, American Mistletoe is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is American Mistletoe also called?
American Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) is also called Christmas Mistletoe.
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Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
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