Is Poinsettia safe for dogs and cats?
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
ASPCA reports Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima): listed as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. The sap bothers the mouth and stomach and sometimes causes vomiting. ASPCA calls its reputation for toxicity overrated, and Pet Poison Helpline calls the deadly-plant idea a myth; expect mild stomach upset at most. If a pet eats some, call a vet or poison line.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Also called: no other common names listed. Euphorbia pulcherrima.
What in it is the problem
An irritating sap.
What it can do
The sap bothers the mouth and stomach and sometimes causes vomiting.
Good to know
ASPCA calls its reputation for toxicity overrated, and Pet Poison Helpline calls the deadly-plant idea a myth; expect mild stomach upset at most. If a pet eats some, call a vet or poison line.
Did your pet chew it?
Call your vet or a pet poison line, and say what plant, how much and when. If you aren't sure which plant it was, take a photo of it.
Poison emergency? Call now
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
For the children
"Some plants can make pets sick, and lilies are very dangerous for cats. Ask a grown-up before you bring a plant or flowers inside."
A job: Be the plant checker. Help a grown-up look up each plant in the house on this site, and write the ones to keep away on a list.
This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Common names are shared by different plants, so check the Latin name.
Sources
- ASPCA: Poinsettia (checked October 29, 2026)
- Pet Poison Helpline: Deck the Halls with Holiday Plants - But Are They Toxic? (checked October 29, 2026)