Growli

Pet safety

Is Foxglove toxic to dogs?

Digitalis purpurea

Toxic to dogs

Yes — foxglove 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. All parts contain cardiac glycosides — primarily digitoxin, digoxin, and digitalinum verum — that disrupt the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells. ASPCA lists Digitalis purpurea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, irregular and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. Even small amounts of leaf material are dangerous to cats and small dogs. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate foxglove

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move foxglove 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 foxglove to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is foxglove toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is foxglove toxic to dogs?

Yes — foxglove is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain cardiac glycosides — primarily digitoxin, digoxin, and digitalinum verum — that disrupt the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells. ASPCA lists Digitalis purpurea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, irregular and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. Even small amounts of leaf material are dangerous to cats and small dogs. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats foxglove?

All parts contain cardiac glycosides — primarily digitoxin, digoxin, and digitalinum verum — that disrupt the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells. ASPCA lists Digitalis purpurea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, irregular and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death. Even small amounts of leaf material are dangerous to cats and small dogs. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if ingestion is suspected. 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 foxglove.

What should I do if my dog ate foxglove?

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 foxglove toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to foxglove?

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 foxglove pet-safety