plant
Foxglove
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Yes, and it is an emergency. Foxglove affects the heart and can be fatal to dogs.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Treat as an emergency. Contact your vet or an emergency vet immediately and take a photo or sample of the plant.
When to contact a vet: Yes — go to a vet immediately, even if your dog seems well.
Symptoms to look for
- drooling
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- weakness
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- dilated pupils
- tremors
- collapse
Why
Every part of the foxglove plant, including the seeds, leaves, flowers and the water from a vase, contains cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart rhythm. This is one of the most dangerous garden plants for dogs. Signs can include drooling, vomiting, a slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness, collapse and, in serious cases, death.
- Substances of concern
- cardiac glycosides, digitoxin, digoxin
- Parts to avoid
- All parts of the plant, including dried material and vase water.
- How much matters
- Small amounts can affect the heart, so any suspected ingestion is urgent.
- Severity
- Very high
Identifying this plant
- Scientific name
- Digitalis purpurea
- Plant family
- Plantaginaceae
- UK common names
- Foxglove, Digitalis, Fairy thimbles, Deadmens bells
- Poisonous parts
- leaves, flower, seeds, stem, roots, dried plant material
- Toxic principle
- Cardiac glycosides (digitoxin, digoxin) that act directly on the heart.
- When it's a risk
- Flowers in UK gardens, hedgerows and woodland from June to September; dried leaves stay poisonous.
- Easily confused with
- Comfrey, Mullein, Green alkanet
Plants that look alike can differ greatly in how poisonous they are. A photograph is never proof of identity — if your dog may have eaten a plant you can't name with certainty, ask your vet or a qualified professional to identify it.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Plant toxicity
- PetMDVeterinary information — Plant toxicity
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
Also known as foxglove, foxgloves, digitalis · Digitalis purpurea