Are Azaleas Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Yes, azaleas are toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists them as “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses,” and its list of signs runs from vomiting to “cardiac failure.” Merck says small ingestions with only stomach signs have an excellent prognosis, but this is a plant to call about, not to wait out.

What happens if a dog chews an azalea

The ASPCA entry covers Rhododendron spp. (family Ericaceae), also listed as rosebay and rhododendron. It gives the Toxic Principles as “Grayantoxin” (the standard spelling is grayanotoxin) and the Clinical Signs as “Vomiting (not in horses), diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure.”

Merck says the toxins are “found in all parts, including pollen and nectar,” and Pet Poison Helpline agrees that “all parts of the plant are toxic.” Chewed flowers count, not only leaves. According to Merck, “within hours” a poisoned animal can show salivation, tearing (lacrimation), vomiting and diarrhea, with signs developing in 1 to 4 hours, sometimes as long as 12.

The outlook depends on how much was eaten. Merck’s exact words are “small ingestions that result in gastrointestinal signs have an excellent prognosis.” The ASPCA’s mention of weakness and cardiac failure is the reason not to assume yours is a small one.

What happens if a cat chews an azalea

The ASPCA lists cats as affected, with the same signs. Pet Poison Helpline describes the effects in pets as “gastrointestinal distress and cardiovascular dysfunction.” Neither source gives a separate course for cats, so the plan doesn’t change: call your vet and say what part of the plant was chewed, and how much. Tell them if your cat is drooling, vomiting or unusually weak.

Signs to watch for

• Drooling (salivation) and watery eyes (tearing)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Any sign of collapse or a pet that is getting worse, which needs a clinic right away

Because Merck says signs can take up to 12 hours, keep watching through the evening and night even if your pet seems fine at first.

What to do

1. Move your pet away from the plant and note what was eaten: leaves, flowers or a whole branch.
2. Call your vet or a poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply).
3. Go in if told to, or straight away for weakness or collapse. Bring a piece of the plant or a photo.
4. Skip home remedies unless the vet or poison line tells you otherwise.

Keep the numbers on the fridge with the pet poison emergency card, and use the dog first-aid checklist to keep your kit ready.

Keeping azaleas and pets apart

In the yard, fence azalea and rhododendron beds or block them off from a dog that chews. Bring potted azaleas indoors only to rooms your pets can’t reach. Two other garden plants deserve the same caution: tulip bulbs and the sago palm, which can cause liver failure. For an indoor plant the ASPCA lists as non-toxic to both dogs and cats, look at the spider plant.