Can dogs and cats eat Azalea and rhododendron?
Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts of leaves can cause signs.
Why
Grayanotoxins
Signs to watch for
- vomiting
- drooling
- diarrhoea
- weakness
- low blood pressure
- abnormal heart rhythm
Good to know
Serious cases are uncommon but possible with larger amounts. Call your vet if your pet has chewed the leaves or flowers.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
Checked against these sources in October 2026.