Is Monkshood Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes — monkshood is severely and potentially fatally toxic to dogs. Its aconitine causes heart arrhythmias and paralysis, and even a small chewed piece is an emergency.

Also known as: Aconite, Wolfsbane, Devil’s Helmet, Aconitum napellus · Aconitum napellus

What makes it toxic

Aconitine and related alkaloids throughout the plant, most concentrated in the tuberous root. They lock sodium channels open, disrupting heart rhythm and nerve conduction.

Warning signs to watch for

Rapid onset within minutes to an hour: drooling, vomiting, tingling then weakness, stumbling, slow or irregular heartbeat, tremors, descending paralysis and breathing difficulty.

What to do if your dog eats it

Drop everything and drive to the nearest emergency vet with the plant in hand. Tell staff exactly what and when it was eaten — dogs have survived monkshood poisoning with immediate intensive care, and died waiting.

Common questions

How fast does monkshood kill?

Severe cases progress to fatal arrhythmia or respiratory paralysis within a few hours, which is why the first hour after ingestion is the window that matters.

Is dried monkshood or monkshood in herbal products still dangerous?

Yes — aconitine stays potent in dried material, and poisonings from herbal preparations are documented. Store nothing containing it where pets can reach.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.