§ Toxic plants · Apocynaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is butterfly milkweed toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, seizures, trouble breathing, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney failure, liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis, belly pain, bloating, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, respiratory failure, irregular heartbeat and lying down and unable to get up. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Apocynaceae plants toxic to pets
Butterfly milkweed belongs to the Apocynaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about butterfly milkweed and pets
Is butterfly milkweed toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists butterfly milkweed as toxic to cats.
Is butterfly milkweed toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists butterfly milkweed as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats butterfly milkweed?
Signs include vomiting, dullness or depression, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, seizures, trouble breathing, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney failure, liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis, belly pain, bloating, tremors, wobbliness or poor coordination, respiratory failure, irregular heartbeat and lying down and unable to get up. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is butterfly milkweed called?
Butterfly milkweed is also sold or known as rolfs' milkweed and butterflyweed.