Can Dogs Eat Ivy Berries?

Ivy is an extremely common garden and hedgerow plant, and while its leaves are toxic to some degree, the berries it produces in autumn and winter are generally more concentrated in the saponin compounds responsible for the plant's toxicity. A dog that noses around ivy growing up a fence or wall and eats a handful of the dark berries is at more risk of digestive upset than one that just brushes against or occasionally nibbles a leaf, though both can cause some irritation. Some dogs also develop a mild skin reaction from direct contact with ivy sap, similar to the way some people get a rash from handling certain plants, which is worth being aware of if your dog seems to react after spending time around dense ivy growth. Most exposures result in a manageable bout of vomiting and diarrhoea rather than anything more severe, but a significant quantity of berries eaten in one go is worth a call to your vet.