Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
dog safety reference
Is Foxglove safe for dogs?
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove is a biennial flowering plant known for its tall, tubular blooms. It contains potent cardiac glycosides that are highly toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Common FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaLady's GlovePurple Foxglove
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Upright, biennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: emergency. Foxglove contains the same cardiac glycoside toxins (cardenolides) found in the human heart drug — at plant doses these directly disrupt heart-muscle electrolyte balance and can produce dangerous arrhythmias from a fairly small ingestion.
What to watch for
Nausea, vomiting (sometimes bloody), and diarrhea early; then weakness, tremors, an irregular or unusually slow pulse, collapse, and possible seizures. Cardiac effects can appear suddenly even after the initial GI signs seem to be improving.
Time window
Initial signs usually appear within minutes; some dogs only become unwell after an hour or two. Cardiac effects can persist and worsen for many hours, so monitoring well past the initial GI phase is essential.
When to call the vet
Call right away — ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline — and head to an ER vet, even if your dog isn't yet showing signs. Foxglove ingestion needs cardiac monitoring before symptoms progress.
First aid at home
Transport to a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home unless poison-control specifically tells you to — the case needs IV fluids, ECG monitoring, and possibly digoxin-binding antibodies.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, weakness, tremors, and potential cardiac arrest.
Escalation note
Foxglove contains toxins that directly affect the heart muscle. Even small amounts can cause severe clinical signs. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Questions about Foxglove
Is foxglove toxic to dogs?
Yes, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is highly toxic to dogs. It contains potent cardiac glycosides that directly affect the heart muscle, and even small amounts can cause severe clinical signs. It is considered a veterinary emergency.
What are the symptoms of foxglove poisoning in dogs?
Early signs include vomiting (sometimes bloody), diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These can be followed by weakness, tremors, an irregular or unusually slow pulse, and collapse. Cardiac effects can appear suddenly even after initial GI symptoms seem to be improving, and can persist and worsen for many hours.
What should I do if my dog ate foxglove?
Go to an emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting at home unless poison control specifically instructs you to, as the dog will need IV fluids, ECG monitoring, and possibly digoxin-binding antibodies. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 on the way.
How quickly does foxglove poisoning affect dogs?
Initial signs typically appear within minutes of ingestion, though some dogs don't show symptoms for an hour or two. Because cardiac effects can develop suddenly and worsen well after GI signs subside, veterinary monitoring is essential far beyond the initial phase — even a dog that seems to stabilize early still needs extended cardiac observation.
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