Plant
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
A veterinary emergency. Every part of the plant is toxic and even dried clippings remain dangerous.
Life-threateningDogsCatsHorsesRabbitsBirds
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Go to an emergency vet immediately
- 2.Take a sample of the plant if it can be identified
- 3.Do not attempt to make the animal vomit at home
Symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
- Irregular or slowed heart rate
- Tremors
- Collapse
- Sudden death in severe cases
Details
- Category
- Plant
- Toxicity
- Life-threatening
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats, Horses, Rabbits, Birds
- Routes of exposure
- Eating leaves, flowers or stems, drinking water a cutting was stood in, or grazing on garden clippings
- Urgency
- A veterinary emergency. Every part of the plant is toxic and even dried clippings remain dangerous.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Cardiac glycosides in oleander act similarly to digoxin, disrupting heart rhythm. Treatment includes decontamination, ECG monitoring and management of arrhythmias.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Oleander (Nerium oleander), report the exposure route: Eating leaves, flowers or stems, drinking water a cutting was stood in, or grazing on garden clippings. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.