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Is Tree rhododendron toxic to dogs?

Rhododendron arboreum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — tree 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. Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The flowers are used medicinally in Nepal but are poisonous if consumed by pets or livestock. Even handling the plant then touching eyes or mouth can cause irritation.

What to do if your dog ate tree rhododendron

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move tree 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 tree rhododendron to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is tree rhododendron toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tree rhododendron toxic to dogs?

Yes — tree rhododendron is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The flowers are used medicinally in Nepal but are poisonous if consumed by pets or livestock. Even handling the plant then touching eyes or mouth can cause irritation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tree rhododendron?

Contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts. ASPCA lists Rhododendron spp. as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The flowers are used medicinally in Nepal but are poisonous if consumed by pets or livestock. Even handling the plant then touching eyes or mouth can cause irritation. 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 tree rhododendron.

What should I do if my dog ate tree 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 tree rhododendron toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to tree 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 tree rhododendron pet-safety