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Is Common Rhododendron toxic to dogs?

Rhododendron ponticum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — common rhododendron is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Rhododendron ponticum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which interfere with sodium channels and can cause vomiting, drooling, heart arrhythmia, hypotension, and in severe cases seizures or death. The ASPCA lists Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Honey made from rhododendron nectar ('mad honey') is also toxic.

What to do if your dog ate common rhododendron

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move common rhododendron out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of common rhododendron to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten common rhododendron, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is common rhododendron toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common rhododendron toxic to dogs?

Yes — common rhododendron is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rhododendron ponticum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which interfere with sodium channels and can cause vomiting, drooling, heart arrhythmia, hypotension, and in severe cases seizures or death. The ASPCA lists Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Honey made from rhododendron nectar ('mad honey') is also toxic.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common rhododendron?

Rhododendron ponticum is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which interfere with sodium channels and can cause vomiting, drooling, heart arrhythmia, hypotension, and in severe cases seizures or death. The ASPCA lists Rhododendron species as toxic to dogs and cats. Honey made from rhododendron nectar ('mad honey') is also toxic. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to common rhododendron.

What should I do if my dog ate common rhododendron?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is common rhododendron toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Rhododendron is toxic to cats as well. See the full common rhododendron pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to common rhododendron?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full common rhododendron pet-safety