Is Oleander Toxic to Pets?
Yes — oleander is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Yes — oleander is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Yes — oleander is toxic to horses and can be fatal.
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
- Nerium oleander
- Toxic compound
- Cardiac glycosides
- Toxic parts
- All parts, including dried leaves
- Also known as
- rose bay, nerium
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
What to do
If your cat ate oleander
- 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 oleander
- 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 oleander
- 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
One of the most dangerous garden shrubs. Small amounts can cause fatal heart problems in pets and horses.
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Pet-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is oleander toxic to cats?
Yes — oleander is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is oleander toxic to dogs?
Yes — oleander is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is oleander toxic to horses?
Yes — oleander is toxic to horses and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of oleander are toxic?
All parts, including dried leaves.
What makes oleander toxic?
Cardiac glycosides.