Is poinsettia toxic to cats and dogs?
Quick answer
Toxic to cats and dogs. Poinsettia sap contains diterpene esters. Pet Poison Helpline rates poisoning as mild in cats and dogs.
Not sure it’s this plant?Check yours with a photo, freePoinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poinsettia’s deadly reputation is overstated. Its milky sap can irritate the mouth, stomach and skin, Pet Poison Helpline rates it mildly toxic for cats and dogs, and signs usually pass without treatment.
What to do if your pet ate it
If your cat or dog chewed a poinsettia, take the plant away and check your pet’s mouth, skin and eyes for sap.
- Remove the plant from the pet’s reach.
- Call your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
- When you call, have the plant’s name or a photo ready. Tell the vet roughly how much your pet ate and when.
Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. It can make some poisonings worse.
Symptoms
Possible signs include:
- Drooling
- Lip licking
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation where sap touched
- Mild eye irritation if sap gets in the eye
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The ASPCA Poinsettia record lists Euphorbia pulcherrima as toxic to cats and dogs, names an irritant sap and calls the plant “generally over-rated in toxicity”. Pet Poison Helpline rates poisoning as mild in cats and dogs, names diterpenoid euphorbol esters in the milky sap and lists the signs shown above. This is reference information, not veterinary advice.
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Common questions
Are poinsettias poisonous to cats?
Yes, but mildly. The milky sap irritates a cat’s mouth and stomach and can cause drooling, lip licking, vomiting or diarrhea. Serious poisoning is rare. Call your vet if your cat has symptoms.
Are poinsettias poisonous to dogs?
Yes, but mildly. A dog that chews one can drool, vomit or get diarrhea. The signs usually pass on their own. Call your vet if they are severe or last.
Can a poinsettia kill a cat or dog?
That is a myth. ASPCA calls the plant “generally over-rated in toxicity”, and Pet Poison Helpline rates poisoning in cats and dogs as mild. It can still make a pet feel unwell, so keep it out of reach and call your vet if your pet has symptoms.
What should I do if my cat ate a poinsettia?
Move the plant away, wipe sap off your cat’s mouth and fur, and call your vet. Say it was a poinsettia and roughly how much your cat ate. Do not make your cat vomit unless the vet tells you to.
What should I do if my dog ate a poinsettia?
Take the plant away, wipe any sap off and call your vet with the plant name and how much was eaten. Most dogs only get an upset stomach. Go to the vet if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or does not stop.
Is poinsettia sap harmful to skin or eyes?
The milky sap can irritate skin and, rarely, cause mild eye irritation. Rinse it off with water. Call your vet if your pet’s eye stays red or watery.
Can I keep a poinsettia in a home with pets?
Yes, if it stands where your cat or dog cannot reach it. Pick up fallen leaves and bracts too.
ASPCA reference · Last reviewed: