Max a Mia Slovensky

Can they eat it?

Can dogs and cats eat Ivy (English ivy)?

DogToxic
CatToxic

English ivy, common on walls and as a houseplant, contains saponins that irritate the mouth and stomach.

Why

Triterpenoid saponins

Signs to watch for

  • vomiting
  • drooling
  • diarrhoea
  • abdominal pain

Good to know

Usually causes stomach upset rather than serious poisoning. Skin contact may cause irritation.

If you think your pet has been poisoned

If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.

Sources

Sources

  1. ASPCA – English Ivy
  2. Blue Cross – Poisonous plants for dogs

Checked against these sources in October 2026.