Is Milkweed toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is Milkweed for pets?
SEVERE Plant Doctor's data flags Milkweed as one of its most serious plants for pets. Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.
SEVERE: many species contain cardenolide/bufadienolide cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart electrolyte balance (irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures); other species carry neurotoxins instead. Even vase water has caused poisoning: treat any ingestion as an emergency vet visit.
Asclepias spp.
Also called: Butterfly Weed.
What makes it toxic
Some species contain cardiotoxins (steroidal glycosidic cardenolides) and other species contain neurotoxins.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Profound depression
- Weakness
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Diarrhea
- May be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, a rapid weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis and death
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about Milkweed
Is Milkweed toxic to cats?
Yes, Milkweed is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Milkweed toxic to dogs?
Yes, Milkweed is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is Milkweed also called?
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is also called Butterfly Weed.
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Always confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
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