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Is Poke Milkweed toxic to dogs?

Asclepias exaltata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — poke milkweed 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. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What to do if your dog ate poke milkweed

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

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

Is poke milkweed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is poke milkweed toxic to dogs?

Yes — poke milkweed 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. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and death.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats poke milkweed?

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The ASPCA lists milkweed (Asclepias) as toxic; some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and others neurotoxins. Ingestion can cause vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia and diarrhoea, with severe cases progressing to seizures, breathing difficulty and 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 poke milkweed.

What should I do if my dog ate poke milkweed?

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 poke milkweed toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to poke milkweed?

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 poke milkweed pet-safety