Is Rhododendron Toxic to Pets?
Yes — rhododendron is toxic to cats. Yes — rhododendron is toxic to dogs. Yes — rhododendron 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
- rosebay
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 rhododendron
- 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 rhododendron
- 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 rhododendron
- 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
Rhododendrons share the same grayanotoxins as azaleas and can cause collapse and heart rhythm problems.
Is your pet covered for emergency vet bills?
Compare pet insurance quotes →
Pet-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is rhododendron toxic to cats?
Yes — rhododendron is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Is rhododendron toxic to dogs?
Yes — rhododendron is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Is rhododendron toxic to horses?
Yes — rhododendron is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea.
Which parts of rhododendron are toxic?
All parts.
What makes rhododendron toxic?
Grayanotoxins.
Related items
Free printable: 25 pet-safe houseplants + emergency numbers
We only use your email to send the list and occasional pet-safety tips. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy