Toxicity to pets

Cardiac glycosides are chemicals found naturally in specific plants and used in the development of the cardiac medication digitalis (Digoxin). Overdose of either plant material or digitalis causes cardiovascular signs (e.g., abnormal heart rhythm and rate), electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., a life-threatening high potassium level), gastrointestinal signs (e.g., nausea, drooling, vomiting, etc.), or central nervous system signs (e.g., dilated pupils, tremors, seizures).

The following plants are known to contain cardiac glycosides (please see specific plant for more information):

Dogbane
Giant milkweed
Foxglove
Kalanchoe
Lily of the valley
Milkweed
Oleander
Star of Bethlehem