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Pet safety

Is Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red' toxic to dogs?

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — winterberry holly 'winter red' 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. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate winterberry holly 'winter red'

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move winterberry holly 'winter red' 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 winterberry holly 'winter red' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is winterberry holly 'winter red' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is winterberry holly 'winter red' toxic to dogs?

Yes — winterberry holly 'winter red' is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats winterberry holly 'winter red'?

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with saponins as the toxic principle. Ingestion of leaves and the showy berries causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression; the ASPCA classes leaves and berries as low toxicity, but the abundant red berries can tempt pets and children. 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 winterberry holly 'winter red'.

What should I do if my dog ate winterberry holly 'winter red'?

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 winterberry holly 'winter red' toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Winterberry Holly 'Winter Red' is toxic to cats as well. See the full winterberry holly 'winter red' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to winterberry holly 'winter red'?

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 winterberry holly 'winter red' pet-safety