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Is Irish Ivy toxic to dogs?

Hedera hibernica

Toxic to dogs

Yes — irish 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. Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people.

What to do if your dog ate irish ivy

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

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

Is irish ivy toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is irish ivy toxic to dogs?

Yes — irish ivy is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats irish ivy?

Hedera hibernica is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. It contains triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) and falcarinol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can cause contact dermatitis in people. 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 irish ivy.

What should I do if my dog ate irish 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 irish ivy toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to irish ivy?

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 irish ivy pet-safety