Swedish Ivy or English Ivy? Check the Botanical Name Around Dogs

Look for the Swedish ivy botanical name

ASPCA identifies Swedish ivy as Plectranthus australis and lists it as non-toxic to dogs. ASPCA’s Swedish ivy reference. Keep that name with the pot. A common-name tag that also says creeping Charlie needs care because the nickname is reused. If your tag has a different botanical name, ask the grower to explain it rather than discarding the difference.

Do not transfer that listing to Hedera

English ivy is Hedera helix, which ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs. ASPCA’s English ivy reference. Use our English-ivy profile and existing exposure guide for that plant. A variegated cultivar or an ivy used indoors should not be treated as Swedish ivy merely because its color or growing location looks different.

Check every vine in a mixed basket

Separate plant labels before repotting or giving away cuttings. If one basket contains several trailing species, photograph each one and do not use the largest plant’s label for the whole arrangement. Keep fallen leaves and clipped vines off the dog’s bed or play area. A hanging pot can still offer reachable trailing material when placed above a sofa or shelf.

Report the whole incident, not only the ivy name

If a dog has chewed it, note the plant part, amount missing and time. Keep the label and pictures available for the veterinary team. Include any fertilizer, pest treatment or broken container pieces involved. Seek advice for symptoms or uncertain identity instead of assuming that all ivy is highly poisonous or that all Swedish-looking foliage is harmless.

Which ivy reference belongs here?

Help and source standards

Possible poisoning needs veterinary or animal poison-control advice. Breathing difficulty, collapse or seizures require emergency care. Do not induce vomiting or give home antidotes without professional direction. Emergency guidance. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or veterinary review. Read our sourcing standards.