PlantFunAmerican Mistletoe Toxic?
American Mistletoe is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data
Its primary toxic compounds include toxalbumins and viscumin lectins (phoratoxins)
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, abnormal heart rate, and rare respiratory or blood pressure issues
FAQ
Is American Mistletoe toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data is provided, but ingestion may lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and rare systemic effects (Low)
Is American Mistletoe toxic to Cats?
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate (Moderate)
Is American Mistletoe toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate (Moderate)
Is American Mistletoe toxic to Horses?
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data is provided, but ingestion may lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and rare systemic effects
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate
Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure (rare), difficulty breathing, low heart rate
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove residual toxin
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian or poison control specialist
Contact Vet Immediately
- • The animal has ingested any quantity of American Mistletoe
- • Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or abnormal heart rate develop
- • The animal appears lethargic, disoriented, or unresponsive after exposure
Prevention
- • Keep American Mistletoe holiday decor or wild plants out of reach of pets, horses, and children
- • Promptly clean up any fallen leaves or berries from the plant in areas accessible to animals
- • Label mistletoe decor clearly as toxic to prevent accidental ingestion by household members or visitors
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to reduce gastrointestinal absorption of toxins
- • Supportive care including IV fluids and anti-emetics will be provided to manage dehydration and gastrointestinal symptoms
- • Cardiac and respiratory monitoring will be conducted for severe cases, with targeted interventions for low heart rate or breathing impairment
Professional Toxicology
• Toxalbumins and phoratoxins bind to cell surfaces to disrupt protein synthesis and cause cellular damage
• Toxins irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining, triggering vomiting and diarrhea
• Systemic toxin absorption can impair cardiac and respiratory function in moderate to severe cases
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.