§ Toxic plants · Apocynaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is hemp dogbane toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include diarrhea, slow heartbeat, weakness, belly pain, vomiting and irregular heartbeat. 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
Hemp dogbane belongs to the Apocynaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about hemp dogbane and pets
Is hemp dogbane toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists hemp dogbane as toxic to cats.
Is hemp dogbane toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists hemp dogbane as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats hemp dogbane?
Signs include diarrhea, slow heartbeat, weakness, belly pain, vomiting and irregular heartbeat. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 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.