Indoors and out
Is English ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
Hedera helix · also called Common ivy
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicEnglish ivy leaves contain saponins that cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious poisoning is unusual.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhoea
- Belly pain
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves most of all
- Substance
- Triterpenoid saponins
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is English ivy toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves most of all.
Is English ivy toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves most of all.
What happens if a pet eats english ivy?
vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, belly pain.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
What are pet-safe alternatives to english ivy?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
