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Is Foxglove Toxic to Dogs? Cardiac Glycoside Risk Explained

PawAI Lab
7 min read

Learn why foxglove is toxic to dogs, how its cardiac glycosides affect the heart, what clinical signs may develop, and the steps a veterinarian may recommend after exposure.

Quick Answer

Yes, foxglove is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and digoxin, which can disrupt the heart's rhythm and may become life-threatening. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling, and in serious cases cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, and death. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately after any known or suspected exposure, even if only a small amount was eaten.

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

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Safety Verdict

Toxic. Foxglove (Digitalis species) is recognized as a serious toxic plant for dogs. The toxic principles are cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and digoxin. These compounds affect the heart by altering the way it uses electrolytes such as potassium and calcium, which can change the force and rhythm of the heartbeat.

All parts of the foxglove plant are considered toxic, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. Even water from a vase that held cut foxglove may contain enough cardiac glycosides to be a concern. Because the effects are dose-related but individual sensitivity varies, there is no reliably safe amount of foxglove for a dog, and any ingestion should be treated as potentially serious.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Cardiac glycosides can affect the heart quickly, and early intervention can reduce the risk of serious complications.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directly instructs you to. Changes in heart rhythm can make home induction unsafe.
  3. Do not give food, milk, salt, oil, charcoal, or any home remedy. None of these are proven treatments for foxglove toxicity and some may cause harm.
  4. Collect relevant details (see the section below) so the veterinary team can assess exposure accurately.
  5. Follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding examination, heart monitoring, blood work, or supportive care such as intravenous fluids.

What Signs May Occur?

Signs of foxglove poisoning in dogs may develop within a few hours of ingestion. Absence of early signs does not necessarily rule out risk, because effects on the heart can take time to become apparent.

Gastrointestinal signs often appear first and may include:

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy or weakness

Because the toxic compounds target the heart, cardiac signs may follow and can include:

  • Abnormally slow, fast, or irregular heart rate (cardiac arrhythmias)
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Seizures in severe cases

Cardiac glycoside poisoning can progress to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances and, in severe cases, death. This is why prompt professional assessment is important even when a dog seems well initially.

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 part consumed: leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, or vase water
  • Estimated amount: best guess of how much plant material was eaten
  • Time of ingestion: when exposure occurred, or the window during which it may have happened
  • Current symptoms: any drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or changes in breathing or heart rate
  • Plant identification: whether the plant is foxglove and, if known, the variety
  • Medical history: any pre-existing heart conditions, electrolyte disorders, and current medications, especially heart medicines

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

Differences That May Affect Risk

Several factors can influence how foxglove affects an individual dog:

  • Plant part: All parts are toxic, but the concentration of cardiac glycosides can vary, with leaves often carrying significant amounts.
  • Amount ingested: Larger ingestions are generally associated with more severe signs, but individual sensitivity varies.
  • Body size: Smaller dogs may be at greater risk from a given amount of plant material.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Dogs with existing heart disease, kidney disease, or electrolyte imbalances may be more vulnerable to the effects of cardiac glycosides.
  • Current medications: Dogs already taking heart medications such as digoxin may be at heightened risk from additional exposure.

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 chewed or eaten any part of a foxglove plant, or drunk water from a vase that held it. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
  • Weakness, collapse, or fainting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Seizures

Non-urgent follow-up: If only a very small amount was eaten and your dog appears normal, professional guidance is still strongly recommended because cardiac effects can develop over time.

FAQ

How much foxglove is toxic to a dog?

There is no established safe amount. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides such as digitoxin and digoxin in all of its parts, and individual sensitivity varies. Because even small amounts can affect the heart, any ingestion should be discussed with a veterinarian or poison-control service.

What are the signs of foxglove poisoning in dogs?

Early signs often include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Because the toxic compounds affect the heart, more serious signs may include a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, seizures or death. Any cardiac signs require immediate emergency care.

Can foxglove poisoning in dogs be treated?

Yes, with prompt veterinary care. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, monitoring of heart rhythm, medication to manage vomiting, and targeted care for cardiac arrhythmias. Outcomes are generally better when treatment begins before serious heart effects develop.

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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.

Written by PawAI Lab