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Is Blue Princess Holly toxic to dogs?

Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — blue princess holly is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Holly (Ilex species) as toxic to cats and dogs; saponins are the toxic principle. The showy red berries are especially tempting and, with the leaves, cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression if eaten, while spiny leaves can mechanically injure the mouth and gut. Keep berries and clippings away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate blue princess holly

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move blue princess holly out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of blue princess holly to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten blue princess holly, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is blue princess holly toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is blue princess holly toxic to dogs?

Yes — blue princess holly is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Holly (Ilex species) as toxic to cats and dogs; saponins are the toxic principle. The showy red berries are especially tempting and, with the leaves, cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression if eaten, while spiny leaves can mechanically injure the mouth and gut. Keep berries and clippings away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats blue princess holly?

ASPCA lists Holly (Ilex species) as toxic to cats and dogs; saponins are the toxic principle. The showy red berries are especially tempting and, with the leaves, cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression if eaten, while spiny leaves can mechanically injure the mouth and gut. Keep berries and clippings away from pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to blue princess holly.

What should I do if my dog ate blue princess holly?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is blue princess holly toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blue Princess Holly is toxic to cats as well. See the full blue princess holly pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to blue princess holly?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full blue princess holly pet-safety