PawAI LabPawAI LabTry it Free

Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and What to Do

PawAI Lab
6 min read

Learn how foxglove affects a dog's heart, what clinical signs may appear after ingestion, and the treatment options a veterinarian may consider.

Quick Answer

Foxglove (Digitalis species) contains cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and digitoxin, which can disrupt heart rhythm and electrolyte balance in dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, and hyperkalemia (high potassium). Prognosis depends on the amount ingested and how quickly treatment begins. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if exposure is suspected.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your dog may have eaten foxglove.

  • US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
  • Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
  • EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service

TOXICITY CHECKER

Check the item and pet details for general, species-aware risk information while you contact a veterinary professional when needed.

Check an Item

Do not delay emergency veterinary or poison-control advice to use this tool.

Safety Verdict

Toxic. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea and related species) is an established cardiac toxin in dogs. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, with the highest concentrations typically found in the leaves of the first year's growth and in the seeds. The toxic principle consists primarily of digoxin and digitoxin, compounds that directly affect the heart's electrical activity.

Because cardiac glycosides have a narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic effects, even small amounts of plant material may pose a risk. Dried plant material in hay or compost can retain toxicity, so exposure is not limited to live garden plants.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Foxglove affects the heart, so prompt professional assessment is important.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directly instructs you to do so. In cardiac toxin cases, inducing vomiting may add stress to an already compromised heart.
  3. Collect relevant information (see the section below) so the veterinary team can assess the situation accurately.
  4. Do not give food, milk, salt, charcoal, or any home remedy. These are not proven treatments for cardiac glycoside toxicity and may complicate care.
  5. Bring a sample of the plant if available, so the veterinary team can confirm identification.

What Signs May Occur?

Signs of foxglove poisoning in dogs often begin with gastrointestinal effects and may progress to cardiac symptoms within a few hours of ingestion. The timeline can vary depending on the amount and part of the plant consumed.

Early signs may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling or excess salivation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal discomfort

As cardiac glycosides take effect, additional signs may appear:

  • Abnormally slow, fast, or irregular heart rate
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Muscle tremors

A key concern with foxglove toxicity is hyperkalemia, an elevated potassium level in the blood, which can further disrupt heart rhythm. Because cardiac signs can develop or worsen over time, a dog that initially appears stable still requires veterinary evaluation.

What Information Should Be Ready?

When you contact a veterinarian or poison-control service, having the following details available can help them assess the situation more efficiently:

  • Dog's details: species, breed, approximate age, and body weight
  • Plant details: foxglove (Digitalis), which part was chewed or eaten (leaves, flowers, seeds, stem), and whether the plant was fresh or dried
  • Estimated amount: best guess of how much plant material was ingested
  • Time of ingestion: when the exposure occurred, or the window during which it may have happened
  • Current symptoms: any vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or changes in heart rate or breathing
  • Medical history: any pre-existing heart disease, current medications (especially heart medications), or other health conditions

Provide honest estimates rather than precise numbers. The veterinary team can work with approximate information to determine the best course of action.

Differences That May Affect Risk

Foxglove toxicity risk in dogs is influenced by several factors:

  • Amount and plant part: Seeds and first-year leaves typically contain higher concentrations of cardiac glycosides, though all parts of the plant are considered toxic.
  • Individual sensitivity: Dogs with pre-existing heart disease may be more vulnerable to the effects of cardiac glycosides.
  • Concurrent medications: Dogs already taking digoxin or similar heart medications may have a lower threshold for toxicity.
  • Body size: Smaller dogs may be at greater risk from a given amount of plant material, though toxicity is possible in any size dog.

Because of these variables, any known or suspected ingestion should be treated as potentially serious.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your dog has eaten any part of a foxglove plant. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, because cardiac effects can develop or worsen over time.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Weakness, collapse, or fainting
  • Abnormally slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Muscle tremors or seizures

Non-urgent follow-up: If ingestion occurred hours or days ago and your dog appears normal, a veterinary examination including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood work is still recommended to assess heart rhythm and potassium levels.

FAQ

How is foxglove poisoning in dogs treated?

Treatment may include supportive care such as intravenous fluids, medications to manage heart rhythm, and monitoring of electrolyte levels including potassium. In some cases, digoxin-specific antibody fragments (digoxin immune Fab) may be used to bind circulating cardiac glycosides. A veterinarian determines the appropriate approach based on the individual case.

What is the prognosis for foxglove poisoning in dogs?

Prognosis depends on the amount ingested and how quickly treatment begins. Dogs that receive prompt veterinary care before severe cardiac signs develop generally have better outcomes. Delayed treatment or large ingestions may carry a more guarded prognosis.

Can a dog recover from eating foxglove?

Recovery is possible with prompt veterinary care. The cardiac glycosides in foxglove directly affect the heart, so professional monitoring and treatment are important. Outcomes vary based on the amount consumed and the individual dog's health status.

TOXICITY CHECKER

Not sure whether another plant in your home or garden may be risky for your dog? Get general, species-aware safety information in seconds.

Open Toxicity Checker

This tool provides general safety information only and does not replace veterinary advice.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker provide general safety information and cannot determine an individual pet's toxicity risk or replace a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. If exposure may have occurred, contact an appropriate professional promptly, even if your pet appears well.