Is Azalea & Rhododendron Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Azaleas and rhododendrons are severely toxic to cats and dogs — all parts contain grayanotoxins that cause vomiting, weakness, a slow heart, and can be fatal. Call a vet.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Azalea & Rhododendron?
Azaleas and rhododendrons are severely toxic to cats and dogs — all parts contain grayanotoxins that cause vomiting, weakness, a slow heart, and can be fatal. Call a vet.
Also known as: azalea, rhododendron, rhodie, rose bay.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Vomiting (not eating), diarrhea, and drooling within hours
- Weakness, staggering, and a slow heart rate
- Dangerously low blood pressure
- In serious cases: seizures, coma, heart failure, and death
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea
- Weakness and staggering
- Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
- Seizures, coma, and death in serious cases
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately.
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Note how much was eaten — even a few leaves can be dangerous.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any azalea or rhododendron was eaten
- Vomiting, weakness, or staggering
- A slow or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures, collapse, or unresponsiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much azalea is dangerous?
Eating even a few leaves of an azalea or rhododendron can cause poisoning because the grayanotoxins are potent. The leaves are also toxic when dried, so fallen leaves in autumn remain a hazard. Call a vet for any ingestion.
What do grayanotoxins do to the body?
Grayanotoxins interfere with the body's sodium channels, which affects the heart and nerves. This causes vomiting, a dangerously slow heart rate, low blood pressure, weakness, and in serious cases seizures, coma, and death from heart failure.
What are the first signs of azalea poisoning?
Vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea usually appear within hours, followed by weakness, staggering, and a slow heart rate. If you see these signs after a pet has access to azaleas, call a vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11