Can Dogs Eat Mistletoe Berries?

Mistletoe is best known as a Christmas decoration, and this is exactly when the risk of exposure spikes for dogs in households that hang it, since a sprig within reach on a doorway or mantelpiece is an easy target for a curious dog. The white berries contain compounds including viscotoxins and lectins that can cause a genuine bout of vomiting and diarrhoea, and in larger amounts have been associated with more concerning effects on heart rate and blood pressure, though severe poisonings are relatively uncommon given how few berries a typical decorative sprig contains. As with holly, the seasonal nature of this risk means it's worth being particularly mindful during the festive period rather than something to worry about year-round, since mistletoe isn't a plant most dogs would otherwise encounter growing wild in a garden. If your dog eats mistletoe berries, especially more than one or two, it's worth contacting your vet and keeping an eye on their general demeanour over the following hours.