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Azalea / Rhododendron

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Azalea / Rhododendron — toxicity in dogs and cats

EmergencyApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that interfere with sodium channels in nerves and muscle tissue. Even small ingestions can cause significant gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurologic effects in pets. Dogs are most commonly exposed by chewing leaves or flowers in landscaped yards. Severe cases can progress rapidly to collapse.

Symptoms

Vomiting, weakness, low heart rate, collapse

Typical onset

1-6 hours

What to do

Emergency care immediately.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that interfere with sodium channels in nerves and muscle tissue. Even small ingestions can cause significant gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurologic effects in pets. Dogs are most commonly exposed by chewing leaves or flowers in landscaped yards. Severe cases can progress rapidly to collapse.

Symptoms
Vomiting, weakness, low heart rate, collapse
Onset
1-6 hours
What to do now
Emergency care immediately.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.