🐾 PawSafe Check

Is English Ivy Toxic to Pets?

Yes — English ivy is toxic to cats. Yes — English ivy is toxic to dogs. Yes — English ivy is toxic to horses.

CatsToxicIs English ivy toxic to cats? →DogsToxicIs English ivy toxic to dogs? →HorsesToxicIs English ivy toxic to horses? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Scientific name
Hedera helix
Toxic compound
Triterpenoid saponins
Toxic parts
Leaves (most concentrated), berries
Also known as
common ivy, ivy

Symptoms

Cats (toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Low energy or depression

Dogs (toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Low energy or depression

Horses (toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Low energy or depression

What to do

If your cat ate English ivy

  • Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
  • Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  • Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
  • Note roughly how much was eaten and when.

If your dog ate English ivy

  • Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
  • Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  • Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
  • Note roughly how much was eaten and when.

If your horse ate English ivy

  • Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
  • Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  • Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
  • Note roughly how much was eaten and when.

Good to know

English ivy can cause heavy drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. Larger amounts can make pets quite sick.

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Pet-safe alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Is English ivy toxic to cats?

Yes — English ivy is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.

Is English ivy toxic to dogs?

Yes — English ivy is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.

Is English ivy toxic to horses?

Yes — English ivy is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.

Which parts of English ivy are toxic?

Leaves (most concentrated), berries.

What makes English ivy toxic?

Triterpenoid saponins.

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