Are azaleas poisonous to dogs?

Updated 11/07/2023

Found in a variety of warm shades, it’s no surprise that azaleas are a popular one in gardens around the world. As these beauties are from the rhododendron family of plants, you might be wondering - are azaleas poisonous to dogs, or are they a safe shrub for your garden? Well here we’re exploring exactly that, to help ensure your home is as pooch-safe as possible.

Are azaleas poisonous to dogs?

Can dogs eat azaleas, even if it’s in small amounts? It’s a straight no on this one - like rhododendrons, azaleas are seriously poisonous to dogs, and can cause all sorts of nasty symptoms if ingested. If you think your pooch might have nibbled on your azalea plant, it’s important you get to a veterinarian as a matter of emergency.

So, why are azaleas poisonous to dogs? Well, the plants contain a toxin called grayanotoxin, which seriously disrupts the functioning of the body’s cell membranes. This can cause problems with skeletal, nerve and heart function, leading to all sorts of nasty yet avoidable symptoms. Below, we’ll explore azalea poisoning in dogs, as we look at the symptoms you can expect along with possible methods of diagnosis and potential treatments.

Azalea poisoning in dogs

So, now we’ve established that azaleas are toxic to dogs, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms your pooch might experience if they’ve ingested part of the plant. If you’re worried your pup has nibbled on any part of your azalea, it’s vital that you act quickly, making an urgent appointment with your veterinarian as a matter of emergency.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Tremors
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
• Seizures
• Coma

Diagnosis

As with the ingestion of other poisonous plants, it’s always best to take a sample to your veterinarian if you can. This can help with a faster, more accurate diagnosis, and quicker treatment for your pooch. In order to assess the level of toxicity, it’s likely your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, take blood tests and complete a urinalysis.

Treatments

The treatment your pooch is given depends on how long ago the azalea plant was ingested, and whether they’re displaying any symptoms yet. If the plant ingestion was recent and no symptoms are showing yet, it’s likely your veterinarian will induce vomiting to prevent absorption of the grayanotoxin. Other treatments for pups showing symptoms include:

• Administering activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage
• Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
• Respiratory support

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

Sadly, a huge number of the plants we have flourishing in our homes and gardens are poisonous to dogs, so get in the know to keep your pooch safe, starting with our list below.

• Daffodils
• Hydrangea
• Sweet peas
• Geraniums
• Tulips