Is a Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Dogs?

The holiday season is a magical time of year that many people celebrate by decorating their homes. One popular way to spruce things up is by adding festive foliage.

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a beloved plant aptly named the Christmas cactus because its colorful flowers tend to bloom during December in the Northern Hemisphere.

Other commonly associated plants include the Easter cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus. Despite originating from Brazilian rainforests, these succulents do very well as indoor potted plants, where your dog may have access to them.

While you can take steps to keep your pets away, like using a plant-safe spray that tastes bitter, it may not always be possible to keep your dog completely away from your blooming holiday cacti. 

Is a Christmas Cactus Poisonous to Dogs?

The short answer is no. However, any plant can cause gastrointestinal distress if your dog eats it, and the more they eat, the more distressing it can be.

Plant fibers can irritate your dog’s mouth, esophagus, and stomach, which may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and even lethargy.

If your dog ingests a large amount of the Christmas cactus, they also run the risk of an intestinal blockage. Gastrointestinal obstructions occur when a dog eats something that then becomes stuck in their stomach or intestines, preventing food, liquid, or gas from passing through the GI tract. Vomiting is the most common early sign of a gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs.

Interestingly, the Christmas cactus is not truly a cactus. It lacks the spines traditional cactuses have, so there’s no need to worry about physical injury if your dog rubs against it.

Symptoms of Christmas Cactus Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog ingests a piece or more of Christmas cactus, watch out for these potential symptoms of poisoning:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive drooling

What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats a Christmas Cactus?

If your dog ingested only a small part of the plant and is otherwise acting normally, it’s generally safe to monitor them at home.

However, if your dog has vomited once, keep a close eye on them. After vomiting, it’s best to restrict food for a few hours to give their stomach time to settle. Slowly reintroduce feeding by offering a small amount of water. Once your dog can keep that down, you can offer a small amount of their regular food.

If your dog vomits more than once, appears lethargic, or shows any other concerning symptoms, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® at 1-855-764-7661 (available 24/7, $85 incidence fee applies) for guidance on next steps.

If veterinary care is needed, your dog may be treated with fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, or anti-diarrhea medication. Your vet may also want to conduct an X-ray to rule out a gastrointestinal obstruction if your dog has been vomiting.

When treated appropriately and swiftly, dogs who ingest Christmas cactus generally have a good prognosis for a full recovery without any long-term effects. Some dogs might require a few days of anti-nausea or GI-supportive medications, but most recover just fine on their own.

Holiday Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Your home may be filled with other potential plants this holiday season, some of which may be toxic to your dog. Be on the lookout for these other festive plants you might see around the holidays:

• Holly: Ingesting small amounts of berries or the plant itself might cause vomiting and diarrhea. Ingesting large amounts of holly berries can lead to more serious symptoms like severe vomiting or diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and, in rare cases, ataxia (a wobbly gait).

• Mistletoe: Toxicity varies by species, but mistletoe ingestion most commonly causes only stomach upset, with symptoms such as drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. However, ingesting large amounts can cause cardiac and neurologic issues.

• Christmas tree: Oils from fir trees can irritate your dog’s mouth and stomach, causing excess drooling and vomiting. If your dog ingests enough needles, they might also develop a gastrointestinal obstruction.

• Amaryllis: This plant can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling if ingested. Ingesting large amounts of the bulb can lead to more severe effects, such as low blood pressure, seizures, and tremors.

• Poinsettia: Although poinsettias are often thought to be highly toxic, this is mostly untrue. The milky sap contains stomach irritants that may cause mild stomach upset, but severe toxicity is rare.

Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Holiday Season

Since some holiday plants pose a bigger risk to dogs than the Christmas cactus, it’s important to be mindful when decorating your home during the holiday season.

To keep a dog out of trouble, it’s recommended to place plants in areas where your dog cannot access them, or opting for plant decorations that are pet-friendly. You may want to invest in a pet gate to keep your pup completely out of rooms with the most holiday decor.

If you’re uncertain about a plant’s safety, a quick call to your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline can provide the guidance you need.

By staying aware of potential plant hazards and watching for any signs of ingestion, you can ensure a safe, festive holiday season for both you and your pup.