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Is Tall Green Milkweed toxic to dogs?

Asclepias hirtella

Toxic to dogs

Yes — tall green 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. All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses.

What to do if your dog ate tall green milkweed

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

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

Is tall green milkweed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tall green milkweed toxic to dogs?

Yes — tall green milkweed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tall green milkweed?

All Asclepias species, including A. hirtella, are listed as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. The plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides and galitoxin. Narrow-leaved milkweed species particularly tend to produce neurotoxic symptoms (tremors, incoordination) in addition to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia); cardiac effects are possible with larger doses. 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 tall green milkweed.

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

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to tall green 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 tall green milkweed pet-safety