Is it toxic to dogs?
Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea · Plantaginaceae
Also called Common foxglove, Purple foxglove
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Severe
Yes. Foxglove is very poisonous to dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, an abnormal heartbeat and death, so call a vet right away if your dog eats any of it.
- Toxic parts
- All parts, Dried plant material stays toxic
- Toxic compounds
- Cardiac glycosides (digitoxin, digitalin, digoxin)
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
- When signs start
- Merck Veterinary Manual says signs from cardiac glycoside plants usually appear within about 2 hours.
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Heart failure
- Death
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Foxglove is a tall cottage-garden flower with spires of speckled, bell-shaped blooms in purple, pink or white. It often self-seeds, so it can pop up in beds you never planted.
The plant contains cardiac glycosides, a chemical family that includes the heart drug digoxin. Merck Veterinary Manual lists digitoxin, digitalin and digoxin as foxglove's toxins and ranks it among the most toxic ornamental plants. Pet Poison Helpline says eating it can cause stomach upset, changes in heart function and death.
Drying does not weaken foxglove, according to Merck, so cut stems in dried arrangements carry the same risk as the living plant. Dogs usually meet it by chewing leaves or flower spikes in the garden, or by nosing into a vase.
If your dog ate foxglove
Act quickly, even if your dog seems fine. Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison helpline right away. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Please don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Tell the vet which part your dog ate and roughly how much, and bring a photo or a sample. Your vet may monitor heart rhythm and check potassium, because the toxins can disturb both.
Watch for vomiting, weakness, collapse or a very slow pulse, and treat those as signs to go straight to an emergency clinic.
Keeping your dog safe
Keep foxglove in a fenced bed or out of the garden altogether if your dog is a plant chewer. Deadhead before seed pods form to limit self-seeding, and pull up stray seedlings you find in dog zones. Don't use foxglove in flower arrangements at home, fresh or dried.
Teach a dependable "leave it" and supervise young dogs in the yard. Sunflowers, roses and petunias are all listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and give you color without the worry.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is foxglove poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline says eating it can cause heart changes and death. The cardiac glycosides in it act on the heart.
Is dried foxglove still toxic?
Yes. Merck Veterinary Manual says drying does not reduce its potency, so dried stems and seed heads are still a risk.
Is a little bit dangerous?
It can be. Merck Veterinary Manual ranks foxglove among the most toxic plants, so do not wait to see if your dog gets sick. Call your vet or a poison helpline.
Which part of foxglove is the most toxic?
No single part stands out. Merck Veterinary Manual says the toxins are found throughout the plant, so treat the leaves, flowers, stems and seeds all as dangerous.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy