Growli
Get the app

If your dog ate deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' — FAQ

Is deciduous azalea 'gibraltar' poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Deciduous Azalea 'Gibraltar' (Rhododendron 'Gibraltar') is regarded as toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. 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 (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

Related