Is holly poisonous to dogs?

Updated 11/05/2023

It’s officially Bublé season, and in the wise words of the man himself, we’re looking forward to a holly, jolly Christmas indeed!

Of course, the festive season is made all the better when we can spend it with our furry, four-legged friends. That said, the holidays can be a dangerous time for pets, with potential hazards lurking around each and every (festive) corner. 

So naturally, this holiday you may be wondering what festive delights and holiday decorations are safe for our furry friends. For example, is holly toxic to dogs? Let’s find out…

Is holly poisonous for dogs?

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, yes - holly can be poisonous to dogs.It contains chemicals including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens, which make the entire plant - including the leaves - potentially toxic to furry friends, although the berries are of most concern. 

Are holly berries poisonous to dogs?

‘Fraid so - holly berries are also bad news for our furry friends. Eating them can lead to holly poisoning and a whole host of unpleasant symptoms for your pet, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and more. The berries are poisonous when fresh but also when they dry and fall off the plant, and are then easily picked up off the floor by a curious pooch. Not to mention, the spiky leaves of the holly plant may also cause injuries to your pet if eaten. 

Holly poisoning

Symptoms

The symptoms of holly poisoning can be unpleasant, to say the least. Here are some of the main signs to look out for: 

• Lip smacking
• Drooling
• Head shaking
• Pawing at the mouth 
• Bleeding from the mouth (caused by the spiky leaves)
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite 
• Loss of energy
• Rarely, collapse and seizures may be seen in very severe cases

In most cases, holly poisoning is not fatal, but it can cause any number of these nasty side effects. Dogs severely affected can become very dehydrated. The severity of your pup's symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested, the age and size of your pooch, and their general health.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that older pets, puppies, and dogs with other health concerns are more likely to have a severe reaction to eating holly. 

Diagnosis

If you suspect your pooch may have eaten this spiky yuletide plant, it's best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice. They’ll ask you for the details about the age and size of your pup, what your pet has eaten, how much of it they’ve eaten, plus any symptoms they're displaying. 

Treatments

In most cases (where only a small amount has been ingested) your veterinarian may advise that treatment can be handled at home. Keep a close eye on your pet and make sure they stay hydrated (especially if they are losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea). More severe cases may require a visit to your vet's office, where they will run a series of tests. They may also induce vomiting to empty the stomach of toxic contents, but this only works if the dog is seen swiftly after eating the plant. If your pet is struggling to keep liquids down, it’s also extremely important to take them to the vet to avoid deadly dehydration. In those cases where the affected dog is losing a lot of fluid through vomit or diarrhea, they may need to stay at the vets for an intravenous drip. 

Remember - when it comes to your pet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, contact your vet in the first instance and follow their advice. Every case (and every pet) will be different, and only your vet will be able to advise on the steps and treatment needed to ensure your pooch’s safety. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Other plants that are poisonous for dogs

It's not just holly that you need to keep out of paw's reach this holiday season. There are plenty of poisonous plants for dogs to avoid over the festivities, including:

• Mistletoe
• Poinsettia 
• Ivy 
• Snowdrop
• Laurel