§ Toxic plants · Ericaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is rhododendrons and azaleas toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, coma, low blood pressure, dullness or depression, collapse, loss of appetite, wobbliness or poor coordination, stupor, paralysis, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, belly pain, weak pulse, lying down and unable to get up and slow heartbeat. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Ericaceae plants toxic to pets
Rhododendrons and azaleas belongs to the Ericaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about rhododendrons and azaleas and pets
Is rhododendrons and azaleas toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists rhododendrons and azaleas as toxic to cats.
Is rhododendrons and azaleas toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists rhododendrons and azaleas as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats rhododendrons and azaleas?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, coma, low blood pressure, dullness or depression, collapse, loss of appetite, wobbliness or poor coordination, stupor, paralysis, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, sluggish, unresponsive behavior, belly pain, weak pulse, lying down and unable to get up and slow heartbeat. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.