Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate American Mistletoe - what should I do?
Phoradendron flavescens
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and potential cardiovascular changes such as bradycardia or hypotension.
Escalation note
The berries and leaves are considered toxic; seek veterinary attention promptly if ingestion occurs to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are the usual signs and tend to start within a few hours. Larger ingestions can cause ataxia (walking like drunk), a slow or irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, labored breathing, seizures, or collapse.
Time window
Mild GI signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion. Severe signs from larger ingestions can come on quickly. Most mild cases resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away if your dog ate berries or leafy parts. Cardiac signs, weakness, seizures, or collapse are a true emergency — head to a 24-hour clinic.
What this means for your dog
Dogs that snatch fallen mistletoe berries or chew sprigs from a wreath typically develop stomach upset from phoratoxins and lectins. Most cases stay mild and GI-only, but a dog that eats a large amount can develop heart-rhythm changes, low blood pressure, or neurologic signs that need emergency care.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.