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Pet safety

Is English ivy toxic to dogs?

Hedera helix

Toxic to dogs

Yes — english ivy 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 Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.

What to do if your dog ate english ivy

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move english ivy 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 english ivy to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is english ivy toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is english ivy toxic to dogs?

Yes — english ivy is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats english ivy?

ASPCA lists Hedera helix as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to triterpenoid saponins. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and drooling. 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 english ivy.

What should I do if my dog ate english ivy?

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 english ivy toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: English ivy is toxic to cats as well. See the full english ivy pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to english ivy?

Good dog-safe swaps that keep a similar look include wax plant, string of hearts, spider plant — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to english ivy.

Full english ivy pet-safety