Is Foxglove Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compound in foxglove:

• Cardiac glycosides (cardenolides, e.g. digitoxin/digoxin-type compounds)

If your dog ate foxglove, watch for:

• •Cardiac arrhythmias
• •Vomiting
• •Diarrhea
• •Weakness
• •Cardiac failure
• •Death

Which parts of the foxglove plant are dangerous to dogs?

All parts of foxglove are toxic, including the leaves, flowers, stems, seeds, and roots. The cardiac glycosides are present throughout the whole plant, and even water from a vase holding cut foxglove can be poisonous. Dried plant material remains toxic, so trimmings and garden waste are also a hazard.

How much foxglove is dangerous if my dog eats it?

There is no known safe amount. Foxglove contains potent cardiac glycosides that affect the heart, and even small ingestions can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Because the toxic dose is low and the effect is on heart rhythm, any suspected ingestion should be treated as an emergency.

What are the warning signs of foxglove poisoning in dogs?

Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and weakness. As the cardiac glycosides act on the heart, dogs can develop dangerous changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), collapse, cardiac failure, and death. Signs can progress rapidly, so do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking veterinary care.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Foxglove

Last updated 2026-06-25