Is Bitter Root Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Apocynum androsaemifolium
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cardiac glycosides |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Weakness
- Collapse
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Weakness
- Collapse
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Sudden death
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What to do
Treat as a life-threatening emergency and get to a veterinarian immediately, even from a small amount.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Bitter Root is cardiac glycosides.
What makes this plant different
Bitter Root is a different Apocynum species from the more commonly discussed Dogbane, but shares the same cardiac-glycoside family found throughout Apocynaceae — the bitter taste that gives the plant its name may deter some grazing but isn't a reliable safety margin.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Apocynum androsaemifolium
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Also known as
- Bitter Root, Dogbane Hemp, Indian Hemp
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
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Dogbane Hemp
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Oleander
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control