Is Milkweed Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

Milkweed

The Milkweed is poisonous for both cats and dogs.

Typical symptoms include anorexia, death, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis, seizures, vomiting, weak pulse and weakness.

Milkweed is herbaceous perennial flowering plants that are known to be toxic.Its name is derived from its milky substance that contains cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides. They belong to the dogbane family of Apocynaceae and are widely cultivated across North America, South America and Africa.

The scientific name for this plant is Asclepias species. Additional name for this plant include Butterfly Flower, Common Milkweed, Silkweed, Silky Swallow-Wort and Virginia Silkweed.

Image: Istock.com / hecos255

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