Why it's dangerous
The leaves and berries contain pentacyclic terpenoids which act as irritants to the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion.
Toxic compound: pentacyclic terpenoids
How vets treat it
No treatment plan written for cats was found. For animals in general, the Merck Veterinary Manual describes symptomatic and supportive care for ivy: anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medicines, a bland diet, and treatment to correct dehydration, with electrolyte supplements.
Outlook
No recovery figures for cats were found. For animals in general, the Merck Veterinary Manual says the outlook after eating stomach-irritant plants such as ivy is excellent, and most recover within 24 to 48 hours. Pet Poison Helpline rates the toxicity for cats as mild.
Where pets are exposed
- English ivy (Hedera helix), an evergreen climbing vine. It is a common houseplant and grows outdoors as wall cover, climbing fences, walls and trees.
- Its many varieties, also sold as branching, glacier, needlepoint, sweetheart and California ivy, and related Hedera ivies such as canary ivy.
- The leaves and berries, which contain irritant saponins. The berries are black when ripe. The ASPCA says the foliage is more toxic than the berries.
- The sap. Pet Poison Helpline says it also contains the saponins, and that contact with it may irritate a pet's skin.
- Syrups made with ivy extract (Hedera helix) for people. A dog given one of these syrups developed gastroenteritis.
Prevention
- Keep ivy houseplants out of your pet's reach, or remove them if your pet chews plants.
- Outdoors, keep an eye on dogs that chew plants where ivy grows on fences, walls or trees.
- When you prune ivy, keep pets away and clear up the clippings. The ASPCA says the foliage is more toxic than the berries.
- Keep medicines for people, including syrups made with ivy extract, out of your pet's reach, and never give them to a pet without your vet's advice.
Good to know
Severe signs are reported experimentally but are not expected in typical pet exposures.
Common questions
Is English ivy toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, usually mildly. Its leaves and berries contain saponins that irritate the stomach and gut, causing drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the toxin is poorly absorbed, so only limited effects are seen, and Pet Poison Helpline rates its toxicity for dogs and cats as mild. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your pet eats some.
Which part of English ivy is poisonous?
Mainly the leaves. The toxins are saponins: the ASPCA names hederagenin, and the Merck Veterinary Manual names hederin, found in the leaves and berries. The ASPCA says the foliage is more toxic than the berries, and Pet Poison Helpline says the sap contains the saponins too.
Can English ivy sap irritate my pet's skin?
It may. Pet Poison Helpline says skin contact with ivy sap may lead to irritation with redness and scratching. In people, the Merck Veterinary Manual says allergic skin reactions to ivy are common, and a Hong Kong clinical toxicology atlas reports most cases while pruning the plant. If your pet has sap on its skin, wash it off with soap and water, and ask your vet if the skin stays red or your pet keeps scratching.
Can I give my dog ivy syrup made for people?
No. A 2021 case report describes a 1-year-old dog weighing 24 kg that developed gastroenteritis after it was given a Hedera helix extract syrup meant only for people. It improved with supportive treatment, and the authors say the syrup should be stopped at once. They consider that high doses of such syrups may cause severe, life-threatening gastroenteritis. Ask your vet before giving your pet any medicine made for people.
Is devil's ivy the same as English ivy?
No. Devil's ivy, also called pothos, is a different plant (Epipremnum aureum). The Merck Veterinary Manual says chewing any part of it causes immediate intense pain in the mouth. Merck notes that plants sharing a common name can have different levels of toxicity, so tell your vet the scientific name if you can.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual — General Treatment of Poisoning (pet owner version)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: English Ivy
- Pet Poison Helpline — English Ivy
- Pet Poison Helpline — Hahn's Self Branching English Ivy
- Pet Poison Helpline — Branching Ivy
- Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory, Hong Kong — Atlas of Poisonous Plants in Hong Kong: Hedera helix
- Revista de Medicina Veterinaria (Universidad de La Salle) — Gülersoy E, Kaan Durgut M, İyigün SS, Sevinç M. Syrup Hedera helix Extract Poisoning in Dog: a Clinical Report (2021, abstract)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
