Are Cardiac Glycosides toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes, Cardiac Glycosides are extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately. No amount is considered safe.

Symptoms to watch for

abnormal heart rhythm
abnormal heart rate
high potassium level
nausea
drooling
vomiting
dilated pupils
tremors
seizures

How vets treat it

In severe, life-threatening cases, an antidote called digoxin-specific Fab fragments can be administered by a veterinarian.

Why it's dangerous

These toxins interfere directly with the electrolyte balance within the heart muscle, specifically affecting the sodium-potassium pump.

Toxic compound: cardenolides or bufadienolides

Good to know

Toxicity levels vary by plant part and species; common sources include Oleander, Foxglove, and Lily of the Valley.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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