Foxglove is highly toxic to dogs and poses a serious, life-threatening risk. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that directly affect heart function and rhythm. If your dog eats any part of foxglove, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Which Parts Are Toxic?
All parts of the foxglove plant (Digitalis species) are toxic:
- Leaves (most concentrated)
- Flowers
- Seeds
- Stems
- Roots
Even dried foxglove retains full toxicity, making it dangerous if your dog encounters it in compost or garden waste.
Why Is Foxglove Dangerous for Dogs?
Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and digoxin. These powerful compounds affect how the heart beats by altering electrical signals in heart muscle tissue.
At low doses, cardiac glycosides can slow the heart rate. At higher doses, they cause dangerous arrhythmias and can lead to heart failure. The compounds are also irritating to the digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
Because foxglove directly affects the heart, poisoning is particularly dangerous. Dogs can develop life-threatening heart rhythms even from moderate ingestion.
Foxglove is one of the most dangerous garden plants for dogs. If your dog has eaten any part of foxglove, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Heart problems can develop rapidly and may be life-threatening.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Foxglove
-
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Don't wait for symptoms or call first — go to the emergency vet now.
-
Contact the Animal Poisonline (01202 509000) on the way. Inform them of foxglove ingestion so the emergency clinic can prepare.
-
Bring plant material if you have it. This confirms the plant species and guides treatment.
-
Provide critical information. Tell your vet your dog's weight, which parts were eaten, and when ingestion occurred.
-
Expect heart monitoring. An ECG (electrocardiogram) will be performed immediately to assess your dog's heart rhythm.
-
Prepare for hospitalisation. Your dog will likely need to stay at the clinic for continuous monitoring and treatment.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early symptoms may appear within 30 minutes to several hours:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Salivation
- Lethargy
- Weakness or collapse
- Irregular heartbeat
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Pale gums
- Tremors
Delayed symptoms can develop over 24-48 hours. Some effects are subtle and require professional monitoring to detect.
Prevention
Eliminate foxglove from gardens where dogs have access:
- Remove all foxglove plants
- Don't compost foxglove waste where dogs can access it
- Supervise your dog in gardens with foxglove
- Teach your dog not to chew on unknown plants
- Avoid public gardens with foxglove display areas
Foxglove is a beautiful plant but not worth the risk with dogs in the home.
Recovery Outlook
Dogs that receive prompt, aggressive treatment have the best chance of recovery. Some dogs recover completely within 24-48 hours, whilst others may require extended hospitalisation. The prognosis depends on the amount ingested, the dog's weight, and how quickly treatment began.
SafeBowl checks any food in seconds — personalised to your dog's breed, weight, and allergies. Download SafeBowl free.