Foxtail Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,319 found this helpful

Foxtail is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology data

Its primary toxic components are diterpene esters, concentrated mostly in its clear milky sap

Exposure via ingestion or contact typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea

FAQ

Is Foxtail toxic to Humans?

Gastrointestinal inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/mucous membrane irritation on contact with sap (Moderate)

Is Foxtail toxic to Cats?

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, and gastrointestinal inflammation (Moderate)

Is Foxtail toxic to Dogs?

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, and gastrointestinal inflammation (Moderate)

Is Foxtail toxic to Horses?

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal inflammation and discomfort (Moderate)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Gastrointestinal inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/mucous membrane irritation on contact with sap

Cats

Moderate

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, and gastrointestinal inflammation

Dogs

Moderate

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, and gastrointestinal inflammation

Horses

Moderate

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal inflammation and discomfort

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsPrimarily the clear milky sap of the plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant tissue, direct skin or mucous membrane contact with the milky sap

Toxic CompoundsDiterpene esters

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of exposed humans/animals and rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Flush any sap-exposed skin, eyes, or mucous membranes with cool running water for at least 15 minutes
• Document the amount and part of plant consumed/contacted for medical or veterinary reference

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any part of the plant, especially its milky sap
• Your pet exhibits drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or oral irritation after potential exposure
• A horse shows signs of gastrointestinal discomfort after access to areas where the plant is grown

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and horses in both indoor and outdoor spaces
• Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with its toxic milky sap
• Clearly label the plant if grown in shared spaces to warn others of its toxicity risk

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer appropriate decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal for recent ingestion) under medical/veterinary supervision
• Provide symptomatic care including anti-emetics, fluid therapy, and gastrointestinal protectants as needed
• Monitor patients for resolution of symptoms for 24 to 48 hours post-exposure

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAcalypha hispida

AliasesBristly copperleaf、chenille、red hot cat's tail、red cattail、cat's tail

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractOral mucosaSkin (on direct contact with sap)Eyes (on direct contact with sap)

Mechanism of Action

• Diterpene ester toxins irritate mucous membranes and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract upon contact or ingestion

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Moderate risk, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal irritation and distress if ingested

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Moderate risk, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and reduced feed intake

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Acalypha species Acalypha spp.

Most Acalypha species share similar foliage growth patterns; the key differentiator for Acalypha hispida is its characteristic fuzzy, elongated bright red cat-tail-like flower spikes

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.