Is English Ivy Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Hedera helix
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Triterpenoid saponins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Skin irritation from sap
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring; contact a vet if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in English Ivy is triterpenoid saponins.
What makes this plant different
English Ivy's toxicity comes from saponins in both the leaves and berries, and the sap can also cause contact skin irritation in sensitive pets — a dual oral-and-dermal risk that's less common among the mild-severity plants on this list.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Hedera helix
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Also known as
- English Ivy, Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Angelica Tree
Aralia spinosa
Australian Ivy Palm
Brassaia actinophylla
Branching Ivy
Hedera helix
Coffee Tree
Polyscias guilfoylei
Schefflera
Schefflera
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control