Is it toxic to dogs?
Holly
Ilex spp. (including Ilex aquifolium and Ilex opaca) · Aquifoliaceae
Also called English holly, American holly, European holly, Inkberry, Winterberry
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists holly as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA rates the leaves and berries as low in toxicity, so vomiting, diarrhea and a sore mouth from the spiny leaves are the typical result.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, Berries
- Toxic compounds
- Saponins
- Where you’ll find it
- House and garden
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Lip smacking, drooling and head shaking
- Cuts or pain in the lips and gums from the spiny leaves
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Holly is the glossy, spiny evergreen with bright red berries that decorates wreaths, mantels and gift packages every winter. It is also a common garden shrub, with English holly, American holly, inkberry and winterberry all in the same genus.
The ASPCA lists holly as toxic to dogs because of saponins, and records vomiting, diarrhea and depression, adding that leaves and berries are low in toxicity. Pet Poison Helpline names the same compounds and also warns about the physical side: chewing the spiny leaves can hurt a dog's lips and gums. VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC both describe dogs smacking their lips, drooling and shaking their heads after a chew.
The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that signs can follow eating as few as two English holly berries, though deaths are rare. VCA describes the stomach upset as potentially severe, partly because of those spiny leaves. Dogs usually meet holly in cut decorations or when they chew fallen sprigs.
If your dog ate holly
Carefully check your dog's mouth for leaf pieces, and keep an eye out for drooling, head shaking, vomiting and diarrhea. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate several berries or leaves, keeps vomiting, or seems to be in pain.
A dog that won't eat or drink, or that keeps pawing at its mouth, needs a vet look. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Bring a sprig or photo and note when it happened.
Keeping your dog safe
Keep wreaths, garlands and arrangements well above dog height, and sweep up fallen berries and sprigs. Outdoors, plant holly hedges where your dog can't chew at the lower branches. Real holly in a vase is just as risky as holly in a wreath, so consider faux sprigs if your dog is a chewer.
For greenery and holiday charm, try a Christmas cactus or a rosemary "tree." See also poinsettia and mistletoe for other seasonal plants that need to stay out of reach.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Are holly berries the most dangerous part?
The ASPCA rates both leaves and berries as low in toxicity. Merck notes that signs can appear after as few as two English holly berries, so keep both out of reach.
Is holly dangerous even without the toxins?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline warns that the spiny leaves can cut a dog's lips and gums.
Are all kinds of holly the same?
The ASPCA lists English, American and European holly and others as toxic. The AKC says toxicity varies by variety but advises keeping dogs away from all of them.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy