Are Azaleas Toxic to Dogs? 🚨 Yes — Even Small Amounts Cause Toxicity

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Azaleas and rhododendrons are highly toxic to dogs containing grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts cause serious toxicity and large ingestions can be fatal.

Search another food

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, loss of coordination, abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, coma, death.

If Your Dog Ate This

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.

What to Avoid

all parts — flowers, leaves, nectar

Preparation & Serving

Call vet or emergency animal hospital immediately. This is a cardiac emergency requiring urgent treatment.

Did you know?

Grayanotoxins from azaleas were responsible for a famous historical incident in 401 BC when Xenophon recorded that Greek soldiers who ate honey made from azalea nectar became incapacitated. This mad honey poisoning still occurs today in regions where azaleas are common bee forage.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog): never
Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 0
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: ASPCA

What You Need to Know

Grayanotoxins in azaleas disrupt sodium channels in cell membranes affecting the heart and nervous system. As few as a few leaves can cause serious toxicity in a medium-sized dog. All parts of the plant including flowers, leaves, and nectar are toxic. Honey made from azalea nectar (mad honey) is also toxic. Emergency vet care is required for any significant ingestion.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?

Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.

Take the safety assessment

If Your Dog Ate This — Act Now

Related guides & hubs

Browse the food databaseSearch foods and browse categories Browse all dog health guidesNutrition, safety, insurance, and more Emergency guide: what to do nextStep-by-step actions for the next 60 minutes Dangerous foods dogs cannot eatA complete toxic foods list Best online vet servicesTelehealth options when you need answers fast

Frequently asked questions

Is Azalea Dogs safe for dogs?: No, Azalea Dogs is not safe for dogs. Azaleas and rhododendrons are highly toxic to dogs containing grayanotoxins that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts cause serious toxicity and large ingestions can be fatal.
What happens if a dog eats Azalea Dogs?: If a dog eats Azalea Dogs, they may experience: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, loss of coordination, abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, coma, death.
How much Azalea Dogs can a dog eat?: Grayanotoxins in azaleas disrupt sodium channels in cell membranes affecting the heart and nervous system. As few as a few leaves can cause serious toxicity in a medium-sized dog. All parts of the plant including flowers, leaves, and nectar are toxic. Honey made from azalea nectar (mad honey) is also toxic. Emergency vet care is required for any significant ingestion.

Stay in the loop

Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.