§ Toxic plants · Araliaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is common ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Common ivy (Hedera helix) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, belly pain, drooling and diarrhea. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Araliaceae plants toxic to pets
Common ivy belongs to the Araliaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about common ivy and pets
Is common ivy toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists common ivy as toxic to cats.
Is common ivy toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists common ivy as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats common ivy?
Signs include vomiting, belly pain, drooling and diarrhea. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is common ivy called?
Common ivy is also sold or known as english ivy, canary islands ivy, atlantic ivy and poet's ivy.