Can Dogs Eat Rhododendron? No — Causes Cardiac and Neurological Toxicity
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Rhododendrons contain the same grayanotoxins as azaleas and are highly toxic to dogs. All parts are dangerous and even small amounts cause cardiac and neurological toxicity. This is a medical emergency.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Vomiting, excessive drooling, weakness, loss of coordination, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, coma.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.
What to Avoid
all parts including fallen dried leaves
Preparation & Serving
Call vet or emergency animal hospital immediately. Cardiac monitoring required.
Did you know?
Rhododendrons are the national flower of Nepal and are used in Nepali cuisine and medicine in carefully controlled preparations. The same grayanotoxins that make raw rhododendron dangerous are processed out in traditional preparations — a nuance completely irrelevant to dogs who cannot metabolize them safely.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 0
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Rhododendrons and azaleas belong to the same plant family and contain identical grayanotoxins. Both are among the most commonly reported toxic plant exposures in dogs. The entire plant is toxic throughout the year including dried leaves that fall from the plant. Emergency supportive care including cardiac monitoring is required for significant ingestion.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
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