Pet emergency
My dog ate Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' — what to do
Step by step
- Take deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' — FAQ
Is deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') as toxic to dogs. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rhododendron spp.; azaleas are within this genus). All parts contain grayanotoxins, which impair nerve, muscle, and cardiac function. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, hypotension, CNS depression and, in severe cases, death.
How serious is it if my dog ate deciduous azalea 'gibraltar'?
Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Rhododendron spp.; azaleas are within this genus). All parts contain grayanotoxins, which impair nerve, muscle, and cardiac function. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, hypotension, CNS depression and, in severe cases, death. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide