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Toxic plant safety guide

Is English Ivy toxic to cats and dogs?

English ivy is a common trailing or topiary plant that can cause digestive upset and irritation when chewed by pets.

Quick safety answer

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is listed as moderate toxicity for pets. Relevant pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Keep this plant out of reach and treat any confirmed ingestion seriously.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Abdominal pain
  • Skin irritation

Symptoms can vary by pet size, amount eaten, and the exact plant part. A lack of symptoms right away does not always mean the exposure is safe.

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove the plant, save a photo or plant label, estimate how much was eaten and when, then call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to.

Emergency contacts: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Safer alternatives

  • Swedish ivy
  • Hoya
  • Lipstick plant
  • String of turtles

Sources

This page uses conservative wording based on veterinary and poison-control plant safety references.

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxic plant database
  • Pet Poison Helpline ivy guidance
  • Veterinary references on saponin-containing plants