# Is Foxglove Dangerous to Dogs? Toxicity Signs Yes, foxglove is dangerous to dogs. Every part of the plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can trigger severe and sometimes fatal heart arrhythmias [1]. Even a small amount of ingested leaf, flower, or stem can cause serious poisoning, so treat any foxglove exposure as an emergency. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and all parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides [1]. - The most dangerous effects are on the heart, including arrhythmias and cardiac failure, which can be fatal [1]. - Early signs often include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness, but heart problems can develop quickly after that [1]. - Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away if your dog ate any part of a foxglove plant. - Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to. ## Is Foxglove Dangerous to Dogs? Yes. Foxglove is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, with cardiac glycosides named as the toxic principle [1]. The plant's scientific name is Digitalis purpurea, and it belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae [1]. The same toxicity applies to cats and horses [1]. This is not a plant to watch and wait on. The cardiac glycosides in foxglove can disrupt the heart's electrical system, and the result can be an arrhythmia or full cardiac failure [1]. Those are the outcomes that make foxglove poisonings so serious. If you are building a mental list of plants to keep away from your dog, foxglove belongs near the top. For a broader overview, see [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs). ### Are Foxglove Flowers Toxic to Dogs? Yes. Foxglove flowers are toxic to dogs because the cardiac glycosides are present throughout the plant, not confined to one part [1]. The tall flower spikes are often the most tempting part for a dog to grab, especially when they sway or drop petals. Do not assume that a single flower or a few petals are harmless. Any ingestion of foxglove plant material warrants a call to poison control or your veterinarian. ### Is Foxglove Beardtongue Toxic to Dogs? Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon) is a different plant from true foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). The toxicity record cited here covers Digitalis purpurea specifically [1]. If you are unsure which plant your dog chewed, bring a photo or a sample with you to the veterinarian so the plant can be identified. ### Is the Foxglove Tree Poisonous to Dogs? The name "foxglove tree" is sometimes used for unrelated ornamental trees. True foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is the plant documented as toxic to dogs due to cardiac glycosides [1]. Because common names vary by region, identification matters. If your dog ate anything you call a foxglove tree, contact poison control with the plant's description or a photo. ## Foxglove Cardiac Glycosides and What They Do in the Body Cardiac glycosides are the toxic compounds in foxglove [1]. These substances act on the heart. In therapeutic settings, related compounds are used in human medicine to strengthen heart contractions, which tells you how powerful they are. In a dog that eats foxglove, the dose is uncontrolled and the effect on the heart's rhythm can be dangerous. The clinical signs listed for foxglove poisoning include cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and death [1]. Notice the pattern. Gastrointestinal signs often show up first, then the cardiac effects follow. That sequence matters because a dog who seems to only have an upset stomach may still be heading toward a heart rhythm problem. Other plants contain cardiac glycosides too, and they cause similar heart-related poisoning. Lily of the valley contains the cardiac glycoside convallatoxin, which is known to interfere with serum digoxin measurement [2]. Oleander can cause a decreased heart rate that may be fatal, and lily of the valley can cause cardiac arrhythmias, decreased heart rates, and seizures [3]. This family of plant toxins behaves in a recognizable way, and veterinarians take it seriously. One more caution about the heart effects. A study of Ornithogalum arabicum intoxication in dogs described persistent visual impairment after initially mild poisoning signs, and the authors noted that cardiac glycoside-like toxins may be involved [4]. The takeaway for owners is that cardiac glycoside poisoning can affect more than the heart alone, and mild early signs do not guarantee a mild outcome. ## Foxglove Dog Symptoms and Timeline The classic signs of foxglove poisoning in dogs are cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and death [1]. In practice, owners often notice the stomach signs first. Signs to watch for include: - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Weakness or lethargy - Collapse - Irregular or very slow heartbeat - Difficulty breathing - Seizures Some of these signs overlap with other plant poisonings. Lily of the valley can cause cardiac arrhythmias, decreased heart rates, and seizures [3]. Rhododendron and Pieris japonica poisoning, which involves grayanotoxins, commonly causes retching, regurgitation, and vomiting in animals [5]. If you did not see your dog eat the plant, the signs alone will not tell you which plant was involved. That is a job for your veterinarian. ### How Soon Do Signs Appear? Timing varies with how much plant material was eaten, the size of your dog, and other factors. Do not use a waiting period as a reason to delay a call. If you know or suspect your dog ate foxglove, contact poison control or your veterinarian immediately, even if your dog looks normal right now. ## What to Do Right Now If Your Dog Ate Foxglove Act quickly. This is a poisoning emergency, not a wait-and-see situation. 1. Remove your dog from the area and keep the plant material away from other pets. 2. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 3. Tell them what plant you suspect, how much you think was eaten, and when it happened. 4. Save any remaining plant material, chewed stems, or vomit in a sealed bag or container. Photos of the plant help with identification. 5. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. 6. Do not give food, milk, oil, activated charcoal, or any home remedy unless a veterinarian directs it. 7. Follow the instructions you are given and go to the veterinary hospital if told to. Home remedies are a real hazard here. The heart effects of cardiac glycosides need veterinary assessment and monitoring, and vomiting can worsen a dog's condition or cause aspiration. Let the professionals guide each step. If your dog ate something and you are not sure whether it was a plant or a mushroom, this guide can help you decide how urgently to act: [My Dog Ate a Mushroom: How to Tell If It's Toxic](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-mushroom-toxic). ## Veterinary Treatment for Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and a focused history. They will want to know what plant was eaten, how much, and when. If you brought plant material, they can use it to confirm the identity. From there, treatment is tailored to your dog. Common steps include: - Decontamination, if it is safe and appropriate for the timing and the dog's condition - Blood work to check electrolytes and organ function - An electrocardiogram to look for arrhythmias - Intravenous fluids and medications to support circulation and heart rhythm - Monitoring in the hospital, sometimes for an extended period The exact medications and doses depend on your dog's weight, heart rhythm, and overall health. Your veterinarian calculates those from the individual case. There is no safe at-home dose of anything for this poisoning. If your dog is already showing weakness, collapse, or breathing changes, this is an emergency. Go to the nearest veterinary hospital now. ## Outlook After Foxglove Ingestion The outlook depends on how much was eaten, how quickly treatment started, and how the heart responds. Foxglove poisoning can cause cardiac failure and death [1], so the stakes are high. Dogs who receive prompt veterinary care have the best chance of a good outcome. Recovery may require hospitalization and repeated heart monitoring. Some dogs need follow-up visits after discharge. Ask your veterinarian what signs to watch for at home and when to return. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives Prevention is straightforward. Know what grows in your yard, and remove or fence off foxglove if you have a dog who explores with their mouth. Foxglove is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [1], so it is not a good choice for a pet-owning household. If you garden, check plant labels and confirm the scientific name. Common names can be misleading, and plants that share a name with foxglove may be entirely different species. When in doubt, keep the plant out of reach or out of the yard. Safer habits for pet owners: - Walk your dog on a leash and steer them away from ornamental plantings. - Teach a reliable "leave it" cue. - Supervise outdoor time, especially in spring and summer when plants flower. - Check your yard after storms, when broken stems and leaves may be on the ground. - Store bulbs, seeds, and cut flowers out of reach. If you want to compare foxglove with other household hazards, these articles cover common questions: [Are Tarantulas Dangerous to Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-dangerous-to-dogs) and [Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Allicin Toxicity in Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-food-safety/can-dogs-eat-garlic-allicin-toxicity-in-dogs). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers general information about foxglove toxicity. It cannot tell you whether your individual dog was poisoned or how severe the exposure was. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog can do that. Contact a veterinarian the same day if: - You saw your dog eat foxglove or you strongly suspect it - Your dog has vomiting or diarrhea and you cannot rule out plant ingestion - Your dog seems weak, tired, or "not right" after being outdoors Go to an emergency hospital now if: - Your dog has collapsed or fainted - Your dog is breathing fast, hard, or irregularly - Your dog has a very slow or irregular heartbeat - Your dog has seizures - Your dog is unresponsive or cannot stand Call your veterinarian for a routine visit if you want help identifying plants in your yard or building a prevention plan. If you are unsure which category you fall into, call poison control or your veterinarian and let them help you decide. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a dog survive foxglove poisoning? Yes, some dogs survive with prompt veterinary care. The outcome depends on the amount eaten, the timing of treatment, and how the heart responds. Because foxglove can cause cardiac failure and death, fast action gives your dog the best chance [1]. ### How much foxglove is dangerous to a dog? There is no safe amount to assume. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides [1], and the effect depends on the dog's size and health. If your dog ate any foxglove, call poison control or your veterinarian instead of trying to estimate a safe amount. ### Do foxglove flowers have the same toxins as the leaves? Yes. The cardiac glycosides are present in the plant, including the flowers [1]. Do not let your dog chew on flower spikes, petals, leaves, or stems. ### Can I treat my dog at home after foxglove ingestion? No. Home treatment is not appropriate for this poisoning. Do not induce vomiting or give any remedy unless a veterinarian tells you to. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and follow their instructions. ### What plants cause heart problems in dogs besides foxglove? Several plants contain cardiac glycosides or similar heart-active toxins. Lily of the valley can cause cardiac arrhythmias, decreased heart rates, and seizures, and oleander can cause a decreased heart rate that may be fatal [3]. Rhododendron and Pieris japonica contain grayanotoxins and commonly cause vomiting and retching in animals [5]. If your dog ate any of these, treat it as an emergency. ## Related Articles - [Are Tarantulas Dangerous to Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-dangerous-to-dogs) - [Are Tarantulas Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-poisonous-to-dogs-understanding-the-risks) - [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Allicin Toxicity in Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-food-safety/can-dogs-eat-garlic-allicin-toxicity-in-dogs) - [My Dog Ate a Mushroom: How to Tell If It's Toxic](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-mushroom-toxic) - [My Dog Ate a Pen: Is It Toxic or Just a Blockage Risk?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-pen-toxic-or-blockage) - [Is Foxglove Poisonous to Cats? Cardiac Toxicity Signs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/foxglove-poisonous-cats) - [Is Digitalis Toxic to Cats? Foxglove Poisoning Signs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/digitalis-toxic-cats-foxglove) - [Is Oleander Toxic to Dogs? Signs and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/oleander-toxic-dogs-signs) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Foxglove](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/foxglove). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Convallatoxin, the active cardiac glycoside of lily of the valley, minimally affects the ADVIA Centaur digoxin assay](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29855084/). Journal of clinical laboratory analysis, 2018. 3. [Plants toxic to dogs](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/plants-toxic-dogs). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 4. [Intoxication with Ornithogalum arabicum is a potential cause of visual impairment and irreversible blindness in dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32550571/). Toxicon: X, 2019. 5. [Grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Ericaceae plants](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41544885/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)