Is Poinsettia Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (irritant sap). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Download on the App Store

At a glance

Scientific name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Also called:
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Yes
Toxic principle: Irritant sap
Signs reported: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity.

Is Poinsettia toxic to cats and dogs?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Irritant sap. Signs reported: Irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity..

How serious it can be

The original ASPCA text explicitly states this plant's toxicity is "generally over-rated in toxicity." In practice it causes only mild irritation and is not the highly toxic plant often described online.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

Plants people check next

Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Poinsettia safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include irritating to the mouth and stomach.

Is Poinsettia safe for dogs?

No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

See what's actually growing around you.

Start with a single scan.