Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Swamp Milkweed toxic to dogs?

Asclepias incarnata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — swamp 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 swamp milkweed

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

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

Is swamp milkweed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is swamp milkweed toxic to dogs?

Yes — swamp 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 swamp 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 swamp milkweed.

What should I do if my dog ate swamp 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 swamp milkweed toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to swamp 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 swamp milkweed pet-safety