Is Mistletoe "American" Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Phoradendron flavescens
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Phoratoxin and viscotoxin (lectins and toxic proteins) |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | indoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abnormal heart rate
- Collapse with large ingestion
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abnormal heart rate
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially around the December holiday season when this plant is commonly brought indoors as decoration — American Mistletoe berries are the most commonly ingested part.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Mistletoe "American" is phoratoxin and viscotoxin (lectins and toxic proteins).
Part-specific risk: Berries are the most commonly ingested and concerning part.
What makes this plant different
American Mistletoe sees a predictable spike in exposure every December when it's hung as holiday decoration — the berries are the most commonly ingested part, and while genuinely toxic, the reputation for extreme lethality often exceeds the moderate severity veterinary toxicologists actually report.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Phoradendron flavescens
- Family
- Viscaceae
- Also known as
- Mistletoe "American", American Mistletoe
- Typically found
- indoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control