Is Azalea Toxic to Pets?
Yes — azalea is toxic to cats. Yes — azalea is toxic to dogs. Yes — azalea is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Rhododendron spp.
- Toxic compound
- Grayanotoxins
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Also known as
- rhododendron azalea
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low blood pressure
- Collapse or coma in severe cases
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low blood pressure
- Collapse or coma in severe cases
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low blood pressure
- Collapse or coma in severe cases
What to do
If your cat ate azalea
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate azalea
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate azalea
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Eating just a few leaves can cause serious heart and nervous system effects. Horses and dogs are frequently affected.
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Frequently asked questions
Is azalea toxic to cats?
Yes — azalea is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Is azalea toxic to dogs?
Yes — azalea is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Is azalea toxic to horses?
Yes — azalea is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Which parts of azalea are toxic?
All parts.
What makes azalea toxic?
Grayanotoxins.
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