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Is English Ivy Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, English ivy is toxic to dogs. Chewing leaves or berries releases saponins that inflame the mouth, stomach and intestines.

Also known as: Common Ivy, European Ivy, Hedera Helix · Hedera helix

What makes it toxic

Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin and related compounds) concentrated in leaves and berries, which disrupt gut cell membranes and cause inflammation.

Warning signs to watch for

Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sometimes skin irritation where sap touched the coat or paws.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the plant material away, offer water and bathe any sap-touched skin. Call your vet if vomiting is repeated, and seek care for persistent diarrhea in a small dog.

Common questions

My dog chewed ivy on a walk — what now?

Rinse the mouth, offer water and watch for a few hours. A vomit or two usually passes; repeated vomiting or blood warrants a vet visit.

Is climbing ivy on fences a risk for dogs?

Yes, the same Hedera helix grows on walls and fences. Discourage chewing on any ivy during walks.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.