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Pet safety

Is Butterfly Weed toxic to dogs?

Asclepias tuberosa

Toxic to dogs

Yes — butterfly weed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death.

What to do if your dog ate butterfly weed

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move butterfly weed out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of butterfly weed to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten butterfly weed, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is butterfly weed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is butterfly weed toxic to dogs?

Yes — butterfly weed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats butterfly weed?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Signs include vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, potentially progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty, weak pulse and, in severe cases, death. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to butterfly weed.

What should I do if my dog ate butterfly weed?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is butterfly weed toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Butterfly Weed is toxic to cats as well. See the full butterfly weed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to butterfly weed?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full butterfly weed pet-safety