Is English Ivy Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Quick answer
Yes. The ASPCA lists English ivy as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It names triterpenoid saponins as the cause, lists vomiting, belly pain, drooling and diarrhoea as the signs, and says the leaves are more toxic than the berries.
From the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Not veterinary advice. See who to call.
Has your pet eaten ivy and seems unwell? Phone your own vet or the nearest emergency vet now. Find an emergency vet
US animal poison lines, 24 hours, both take calls from owners: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (the ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply) and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (USD 99 per incident). Elsewhere: poison lines in 34 countries.
This page is not veterinary advice. It tells you what the named sources publish and who to call. There are no home treatment steps here, on purpose. Full disclaimer.
On this page (6 sections)
What the ASPCA says
English ivy (Hedera helix) is on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs, cats and horses. Other names it lists include branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy. The toxic principle is triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin), and the foliage is more toxic than the berries. In winter it turns up in wreaths and table decorations as well as on garden walls. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, English ivy.
Symptoms
The ASPCA lists vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation (drooling) and diarrhoea. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, English ivy.
What to do now
- Take any remaining leaves away from your pet.
- Phone your vet or a poison line, and say which plant and roughly how much was eaten. A photo of the plant helps.
- Do not give food, drink or remedies to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
Prevention
- Keep ivy wreaths and garlands out of reach, and sweep up dropped leaves.
- Cut back ivy where a dog that chews plants spends time in the garden.
Questions people ask
Is English ivy toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists English ivy as toxic to dogs, with vomiting, belly pain, drooling and diarrhoea.
Is English ivy toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats as well as dogs and horses.
Which part of ivy is most toxic?
The ASPCA says the foliage is more toxic than the berries.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, English ivy, read 7 November 2026.
- Pet Poison Helpline, FAQ (fee), read 7 November 2026.
Sources last checked 7 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Related pages
Pet emergency: what to do right now, my dog ate something, signs of poisoning, antifreeze and rock salt and paws.