What should I do if my dog ate Foxglove?

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. 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.

Foxglove — (c) nbasargin, some rights reserved (CC BY) — Photo by (c) nbasargin, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) nbasargin, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY

dog safety reference

Is Foxglove safe for dogs?

Q: Is Foxglove safe for dogs?

Foxglove is potentially toxic to dogs. 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.

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.

Open full page Compare this with…Check a list

Common FoxgloveDigitalis purpureaLady's GlovePurple Foxglove

Light: Partial shade to full sun
Habit: Upright, biennial
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

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

Cats & dogs page cats page My dog ate Foxglove

Same dog verdict

Related plants for dogs

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.