Is holly toxic to dogs?
Holly is mildly toxic to dogs (S1 Caution): its saponins cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy after eating the leaves or berries — low toxicity per the ASPCA — but the spiky leaves can also cut a dog's lips and gums, which is a mechanical injury rather than a poisoning.
S1CAUTION
- TOXINsaponins
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; depression
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours, your dog stops eating, or mouth injuries from the leaves look deep or keep bleeding.
S0S1S2S3S4
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| depression |
| painful injury to lips and gums from chewing the spiky leaves (mechanical, not toxic) |
If your dog just ate it
1
Remove chewed leaves and berries and keep cut holly out of reach. Check the mouth for cuts from the spiky leaves, offer fresh water, and watch for stomach upset over the next day.
2
When to call the vet: Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond 24 hours, your dog stops eating, or mouth injuries from the leaves look deep or keep bleeding.
Care at a glance
Lightbright indirect
Waterevery 3–5 days
Humiditymedium
Difficulty●○○