Is Foxglove Toxic to both?
Foxglove contains digitalis, a powerful heart medication that is lethal in overdose. Even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias in pets. If you suspect your both has ingested foxglove, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
✓ You're doing the right thing by checking — Foxglove is toxic to both, and acting quickly can make a real difference. You did the right thing by looking this up.
If Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Toxic
Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
| Toxic? | Severity | Time to Onset | Commonness | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening | 30 minutes to 6 hours | uncommon | emergency |
The Toxic Principle
The dangerous compound in Foxglove is Cardiac glycosides (digitalis, digitoxin).
Foxglove is the natural source of the heart drug digitalis. Cardiac glycosides increase the force of heart contractions while slowing the heart rate. In overdose, they cause dangerous arrhythmias, complete heart block, and cardiac arrest. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the leaves and seeds.
How Much Is Dangerous?
The risk depends on your both's weight and the amount ingested.
| Pet Weight | Dangerous Amount | Expected Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog/cat (under 10 lbs) | Any amount — emergency | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening |
| Medium dog (10-50 lbs) | Any amount — emergency | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening |
| Large dog (50+ lbs) | Any amount — emergency | CRITICAL — Life-Threatening |
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of foxglove poisoning in boths typically progress through these stages:
Early Signs
30 min - 4 hours- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
Progression
4-12 hours- Irregular heart rate
- Collapse
- Tremors
- Dilated pupils
Severe
12-48 hours- Fatal cardiac arrhythmia
- Heart block
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
You just learned the symptoms. Now be ready for them.
The #1 regret pet owners have after an emergency? "I wish I'd been prepared."
You care enough to research this — that puts you ahead of most pet owners. But research without preparation is just worry. This guide covers exactly what to do in the first 15 minutes after poisoning — the window that determines whether your both lives or dies.
Get the First Aid Guide — Protect Your both →
Be Ready If This Happens to Your both
You just read what foxglove does to boths. The symptoms. The suffering. The $800–$5,000 vet bill. The question is: are you prepared if it happens again?
Get the Emergency Kit — Be Ready →What to Do Right Now
- 1 Remove any remaining plant material immediately.
- 2 Call your veterinarian or pet poison helpline IMMEDIATELY — this is a life-threatening emergency.
- 3 Call your vet immediately for guidance — do not attempt any treatment at home.
- 4 Keep your pet calm and restrict movement.
- 5 Transport to emergency vet for cardiac monitoring.
Treatment and Recovery
Emergency treatment includes continuous ECG monitoring, IV fluids, anti-arrhythmic medications, digoxin-specific antibody fragments if available, and intensive supportive care.
Estimated Cost
$800 – $5,000
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A basic first aid kit costs a fraction of an emergency vet visit
Having basic first aid supplies and an emergency reference on hand is something most veterinary professionals recommend.
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Why Foxglove Is Dangerous for both
Dogs are vulnerable to foxglove because they metabolize Cardiac glycosides (digitalis, digitoxin) differently than humans. While dogs are generally more resilient than cats, the compound can still cause significant health issues depending on the dose consumed.
Foxglove is the natural source of the heart drug digitalis. Cardiac glycosides increase the force of heart contractions while slowing the heart rate. In overdose, they cause dangerous arrhythmias, complete heart block, and cardiac arrest. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the leaves and seeds.
Other Substances to Watch For
If your both got into foxglove, be aware of these related hazards that often appear in the same contexts:
Expected Veterinary Costs
Based on typical veterinary treatment for foxglove toxicity in both, including:
- •Veterinary examination
- •Decontamination and supportive care
- •Monitoring and follow-up
Actual costs vary by location, clinic, and severity of the case. Emergency clinics typically charge more than daytime veterinary offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foxglove dangerous even when dried?
Yes. Dried foxglove retains its cardiac glycosides. Dried flower arrangements containing foxglove are just as dangerous as fresh plants.
Can pets recover from foxglove poisoning?
Recovery is possible with immediate veterinary treatment and cardiac monitoring. Without treatment, foxglove poisoning is frequently fatal.
Why is foxglove used as medicine if it's so toxic?
The therapeutic dose of digitalis is very close to the toxic dose. In medicine, it's carefully dosed and monitored. Pets who ingest the raw plant get unpredictable and often massive doses.
What if my pet only brushed against foxglove?
Skin contact alone is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, if your pet then licks their fur or paws, they could ingest the toxin. Wash the area and monitor.
People Also Ask
One more thing to check
Many both owners who worry about foxglove also need to know about Are Lilies Toxic?. If your both had access to foxglove, they may have been exposed to other hazards too.
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Sources & Citations
Toxicity data is based on published veterinary toxicology references. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
📚 Sources & Methodology
Toxicity data compiled from the following veterinary toxicology databases:
- • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — case data and species-specific toxicity ratings
- • Pet Poison Helpline — dosage threshold data and symptom timelines
- • Merck Veterinary Manual — clinical treatment protocols
Weight-based severity thresholds are calculated using established veterinary toxicology formulas. All "toxic" and "non-toxic" classifications are based on peer-reviewed veterinary literature. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. This page was last reviewed on 2026-05-22.
Sable T. Thornwood
Pet Toxicity Researcher
Sable T. Thornwood has spent over a decade researching pet toxicity and companion animal safety, with a focus on common household substances, plants, and foods. Her research draws on veterinary toxicology databases, ASPCA case records, and peer-reviewed clinical literature to help pet owners make informed, timely decisions during potential poisoning events.
About Sable & PetToxCheck