English ivy (Hedera helix) in Pets

English ivy saponins can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. See why berries may matter more than leaves, what to expect and when to call your vet.

What It Is

English ivy is an evergreen climbing vine with lobed leaves and, on mature plants, clusters of dark berries. It contains triterpenoid saponins such as hederagenin glycosides, which irritate the mouth and gut, and compounds that can cause skin rashes.

Where Pets Come Across It

Walls, fences, tree trunks and ground cover in gardens, as well as hanging baskets and trailing houseplants indoors.

Which Animals Are Affected

Dogs, cats and other pets. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists ivy among common gastrointestinal-irritant ornamental plants.

Published Toxic Dose

No owner-usable toxic dose is published. Leaves taste bitter, so large ingestions are uncommon; berries are thought to contain more saponin. The calculator gives no risk tier here.

Signs and How Soon They Appear

Drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, usually within a few hours. Skin contact can cause redness and itching in sensitive animals.

What to Do Right Now

Wipe the mouth, offer water and watch your pet. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea is severe or persistent, or if berries were eaten by a small pet. Do not induce vomiting.

Ivy indoors and out

English ivy has two growth stages. Young climbing growth has the familiar three- to five-lobed leaves and clings with small aerial roots; older growth at the top of a wall or tree has unlobed oval leaves and produces round clusters of greenish flowers in autumn, followed by black berries in late winter. Dogs most often chew trailing stems on the ground, while cats meet ivy in hanging pots indoors. Ivy is also sold mixed into Christmas wreaths and as a topiary plant. To limit exposure, cut ivy back from fences where dogs lie, remove berry clusters within reach of young dogs, and avoid indoor ivy if your cat likes to chew trailing plants. Wear gloves when pruning; some people and animals develop skin irritation from the sap.

Ivy versus poison ivy and Boston ivy

Despite the shared name, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is unrelated to English ivy: it has three leaflets per leaf and causes allergic skin rashes in people through urushiol oil. Pets rarely react to poison ivy themselves but can carry the oil on their fur to their owners, so wash a dog that has run through it while wearing gloves. Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), the self-clinging climber on many brick walls, is a different plant again and its berries can upset pets. Identifying which 'ivy' is involved saves time when you call for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

• Pet Poison Helpline: English Ivy
• ASPCA: English Ivy
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals

Related Poisons