Is ivy poisonous to dogs?

Updated 11/07/2023

An iconic evergreen vine, English ivy (or Hedera helix, as it is also known) is a pretty, popular climbing plant that's present in plenty of parks, woodlands, streets, and even adorns both the inside and outside our homes. 

Unfortunately, though, there are plenty of plants that can be toxic to our four-legged friends, and as a pet parent, it always pays to be in the know. So - is ivy poisonous to dogs? Join us as we explore just that.

Is ivy toxic to dogs? 

Yes - ivy can be poisonous to dogs. Ivy contains naturally occurring chemicals known as saponins, as well as polyacetylene compounds, which can have a toxic effect on our canine companions if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation.

While all parts of the ivy plant are considered toxic to dogs, the leaves contain the most toxins and should be avoided by pooches.

Can dogs eat ivy? 

Again, it’s a no - consuming ivy can result in a tummy upset, mouth and stomach irritation, and gastrointestinal problems. Luckily, English ivy has a pretty unpleasant taste, and so it's usually quite rare for pooches to want to eat a large amount of the plant. 

Ivy poisoning in dogs

Symptoms

Luckily, symptoms tend to be mild in most cases. Symptoms can range from nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, to drooling and a loss of appetite. If your pooch has come into contact with the ivy plant, skin irritation may also occur, along with blisters, redness, and swelling. If your pooch is exposed to ivy repeatedly (for example, if you have some growing in your backyard), temporary allergic dermatitis may also develop. 

Of course, the severity of symptoms can vary greatly - depending on the size of your dog, their general health, and how much they've consumed.

Diagnosis

In any circumstances where you think your pooch may have eaten something toxic, be sure to contact your vet for advice. If you've caught your pooch in the act, try to take a sample of the plant for your vet and make a note of how much your dog has eaten. 

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, in cases of ivy poisoning, “signs are short-lived and veterinary care is generally not necessary”, however, if your dog is displaying any abnormal symptoms, they appear to be in pain or distress, or if they have prolonged bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, do head down to your vet office.

Treatment

Typically, treatment will include washing your dog's mouth and skin thoroughly to remove as much of the remaining compounds as possible. Ice cubes can also be given to help ease any pain or swelling. For more severe cases, your veterinarian may suggest an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory, and in cases of excessive vomiting/diarrhea, intravenous fluid may be administered to prevent dehydration.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

So, is ivy safe for dogs? No - while (thankfully) in most cases, symptoms are mild, they can cause unpleasant and distressing symptoms for pets. If you’re wondering which other popular poisonous plants dogs should avoid, here are a few more to watch out for:

• Tulips
• Geraniums
• Peace lilies
• Morning glories