Are Foxgloves Poisonous to Dogs? Symptoms and Treatment

The foxglove is a common garden plant well-liked for its appearance and minimal upkeep requirements. However, many pet owners are unaware that it is toxic to a range of animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.

Dogs can develop Foxglove poisoning after ingesting any part of the plant, and signs can range from an upset stomach to muscle tremors, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. Signs can develop within minutes to hours, and time is of the essence when it comes to seeking treatment.

What Are Foxgloves?

Digitalis purpurea is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family. Its scientific name is Digitalis purpurea. This pretty bloom comes in a range of colours, including pink, white, yellow, and cream. The flowers have a distinctive trumpet shape and can grow up to eight feet in the air.

In the UK, Foxgloves bloom in the summer months. As they are toxic to humans and many animals, gardeners with children or pets in the home are advised to avoid planting them.

Why Are Foxgloves Dangerous to Dogs?

The toxic substances within Foxgloves are called cardiac glycosides. They disrupt the heart's electrical and muscular functions.

While we sometimes use cardiac medicine (digoxin) derived from cardiac glycosides for patients with heart disease, the active ingredient is highly dangerous when used inappropriately or eaten in large enough quantities.

Causes of Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs

Thankfully, Foxglove poisoning is not seen very often in UK veterinary clinics. This may be because the plant is bitter and foul-tasting, meaning many dogs are sensible enough to walk away after a small sniff or lick.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk from Foxgloves?

Due to the bitter taste, adult dogs generally steer clear of these flowers. Inquisitive puppies would be at the highest risk, as they are likelier to eat things in the garden without due care and attention. Greedy breeds (like Labs and Beagles) are also potentially at a higher risk, as they can be less discerning with their consumption.

Finally, dogs with excessive appetites due to medicine they are on (such as corticosteroids) or underlying medical issues (like Cushing’s disease or diabetes) are more likely to ingest plants and flowers.

How Dogs Can Ingest Foxgloves

Foxgloves can be ingested by Dogs in gardens and on walks. They also grow well on roadside verges and woodland edges.

Eating Foxglove Leaves or Flowers

Unfortunately, all parts of the Foxglove plant are toxic. If your dog nibbles on the flower, stem, leaf, or root, they could quickly become unwell.

Drinking Water Contaminated by Foxgloves

As cardiac glycosides can leach into water, even a vase of water that contains Foxgloves is a potential hazard. If you’ve got pets in the home, be sure to choose dog-friendly flowers to have inside.

Ingesting seeds

Packets of seeds are highly toxic, as the cardiac glycosides are strongly concentrated within them. Even if not many were consumed, a dog who has eaten Foxglove seeds is in critical danger.

Note: These flowers grow from seeds rather than bulbs.

Symptoms of Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs

Due to this plant's high toxicity, signs can occur even if little was ingested. Most first symptoms appear within minutes, though some dogs may take an hour or two to become unwell.

It is important to state that if you suspect your dog has consumed Foxgloves, they need emergency vet care even if they are not yet showing signs.

Early Signs of Poisoning

The earlier signs are more mild but should not lull an owner into a false sense of security.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

You will notice your dog develops a sudden upset stomach, and this can include lip licking, burping, and farting, as well as vomiting and loose stool. They can experience stomach cramps, which may lead to abdominal tensing and standing in a hunched position or the ‘downward dog’ pose.

Drooling and Loss of Appetite

As the feeling of nausea rises, dogs will experience drooling and will stop eating. Even if offered their favourite meal, they are likely to refuse it at this point. Their body will be working hard to expel the toxin, so their appetite will drop.

Advanced Symptoms

Not long after symptoms begin, they will start to take a more serious turn. Owners who are unaware of how toxic Foxgloves can be tend to get worried at this point, and some may delay seeking treatment until advanced signs are seen.

Irregular Heartbeat and Weakness

As the heart muscle begins to contract differently and the electrical activity is altered, your dog may begin to show signs of weakness, dizziness, and difficulty walking. They can develop slow and absent pulses, and you may notice changes in their breathing pattern.

Seizures and Collapsing

As the toxicity progresses, the most serious signs develop, which can include seizures and total collapse. Sadly, some pets will pass away.

Diagnosing Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs

It is crucial that exposure to Foxgloves is identified quickly and that any suspicion of Foxglove involvement is highlighted to the vet as a matter of urgency.

It can be difficult to diagnose without knowing that the dog has been exposed to these toxic flowers.

How Veterinarians Identify Poisoning

Your vet will listen to your dog’s history and want to know about any exposure to the Foxglove and how much you think could have been eaten. They’ll be able to recognise the symptoms, which typically present in a similar manner for each patient.

If you’ve seen your dog eat a plant but are unable to identify it, you can take some in for your vet to try and help you identify it. Some apps can be used for this purpose.

Diagnostic Tests for Foxglove Poisoning

There is no specific test that is going to identify a case of Foxglove toxicity. It is diagnosed based on a history of Foxglove ingestion and the symptoms that abruptly follow.

Blood Tests

While vets could run a blood test to measure serum Digoxin levels, this is rarely done in practice. Results would take a few days to return, and the test is costly and unavailable.

However, your vet will likely run some general blood tests to rule out any other underlying or concurrent medical issues, assess organ health, and check electrolyte status (particularly if your dog has been vomiting a lot).

ECG and Heart Monitoring

Your vet should assess your dog’s cardiac activity by hooking it up to an electrocardiogram (ECG). This way, any disturbances in the conductivity can be identified.

Continuous monitoring is advised. If the diagnosis of cardiac glycoside toxicity has not yet been confirmed, altered cardiac activity would make a vet very suspicious.

Treating Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs

There is no doubt that urgent treatment is needed for this type of toxicity, and failing to seek vet care immediately could have devastating consequences.

Emergency Response to Foxglove Ingestion

For all cases of known Foxglove ingestion, even if the dog seems clinically well, your vet will perform a few ‘first steps.’

Inducing Vomiting

If your dog has recently eaten Foxglove, your vet will want to induce vomiting. This is usually done with an injection known as ‘Apomorphine.’ Within a few minutes, your dog should bring up their stomach contents.

This would not be done if your dog is having seizures or collapsed, as there is a risk of aspirating into its lungs. Instead, your vet can perform a gastric lavage to empty the stomach contents.

Administering Activated Charcoal

If the animal is conscious and able to eat and swallow, your vet may give it a slurry of activated charcoal to reduce any further toxin absorption.

For patients who have required gastric lavage, the charcoal can be administered directly into the emptied stomach.

Medications to Stabilise the Heart

If cardiac irregularities are identified on an ECG, medications can be given to correct this. During this time, the heart should be continually monitored when possible.

Fluid Therapy and Supportive Care

A fluid drip will be started to prevent dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. This also helps maintain normal blood pressure, rid the body of toxins, and support circulation.

Dogs who have seizures will also be given anti-seizure medication as needed.

Preventing Foxglove Poisoning in Dogs

Prevention is much better than cure when it comes to this dangerous plant.

Avoid Planting Foxgloves in Your Garden

Remove any Foxgloves from your garden, and avoid planting them. Similarly, never have them in your home in a vase, and do not keep the seed packets in your home or outbuildings.

Educating Yourself About Toxic Plants

It is not always common knowledge that certain plants are toxic to dogs, so as a dog owner, it is sensible to read up on the most common toxic vegetation where you live.

Get More Advice on Poisonous Plants for Dogs

If you have any concerns about your dog or fear they have eaten a toxic plant, do not hesitate to contact us at any time, night or day.