§ Toxic plants · Euphorbiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is fire stick toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Fire stick (Euphorbia tirucalli) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include mouth irritation, belly pain and vomiting. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Euphorbiaceae plants toxic to pets
Fire stick belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about fire stick and pets
Is fire stick toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists fire stick as toxic to cats.
Is fire stick toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists fire stick as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats fire stick?
Signs include mouth irritation, belly pain and vomiting. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is fire stick called?
Fire stick is also sold or known as pencil cactus, Christmas cholla and branched pencil cholla.