Plant
Rhododendron and azalea
Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
SevereDogsCatsRabbitsHorses
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
What to do right now
- 1.Remove plant material
- 2.Keep the animal warm and quiet
- 3.Go to a vet with a plant sample or photo
Symptoms
- Drooling and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness and wobbliness
- Low blood pressure
- In severe cases: coma and heart failure
Details
- Category
- Plant
- Toxicity
- Severe
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Horses
- Routes of exposure
- Eating leaves or flowers; all parts contain grayanotoxins.
- Urgency
- Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Veterinary notes and prevention
A few leaves can seriously poison a small dog. Common in gardens and parks, so know what grows in yours.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Rhododendron and azalea, report the exposure route: Eating leaves or flowers; all parts contain grayanotoxins. 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.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Azalea: toxicity to pets — Pet Poison Helpline
- Rhododendrons: toxicity to pets — Pet Poison Helpline
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Azalea — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.