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Are Ivy Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Are Ivy Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Some ivy plants are toxic to dogs. 

There are about 20 different ivy plants belonging to various families and genera. A popular one is hedera, which has approximately 15 species of evergreen climbing or creeping plants. Another is pothos, otherwise known as ivy arum, Solomon Islands ivy, and devil’s ivy. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), these two variants are toxic to dogs. This because of the harmful, naturally occuring principles present in their different parts. The spider ivy or ribbon plant, on the other hand, contains no poisonous compounds that could harm your dog or cat. 

What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats a poisonous ivy plant: This varies greatly depending on which ivy plant your dog ate, how much he consumed in one sitting, and the level of toxins found in it. Since it may be difficult to tell which is which, it’s best to keep all ivy plants away from your beloved pooch. 

ASPCA shares the clinical signs of a pet with ivy arum or devil’s ivy poisoning. This includes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty in swallowing. When your dog gets exposed to a poisonous ivy, take the plant remnants away from him. Similarly, the English ivy or Hedera helix has triterpenoid saponins that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea. Surprisingly, its foliage is more toxic than its berry fruits.

When exposed to a toxic ivy plant, observe your dog for symptoms of poisoning. These may range from digestive and respiratory complications to skin irritation. Diarrhea, nausea, tremors, convulsions, vomiting, drooling, pale gums, agitation, unsteadiness on feet, abnormal heart rate, and difficulty in breathing are common signs. Speak with your veterinarian to share your observations.  

In summary: Play it safe by not bringing home a plant which includes the name ivy as some varieties are highly toxic for him. Instead of growing potentially harmful ornamental plants at home, why don’t you grow edible ones that dogs can eat? Check these lists by ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and PetMD before growing a new houseplant.

References:

List of plants known as ivy

Hedera – Wikipedia

Ivy Arum | ASPCA

English Ivy | ASPCA

Spider Ivy | ASPCA

17 Plants Poisonous to Pets



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