- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Rhododendrons are a garden staple, and for good reason. Available in a range of colors, these evergreen shrubs lend a vibrant pop to any landscape. But are they safe for our pets? Are rhododendrons poisonous to dogs?
While we can’t deny their beauty, rhododendrons are considered highly toxic to dogs. In fact, all it takes is a few curious nibbles of any part of the plant—leaves, stems, petals, or pollen—to land your pet in the emergency vet clinic.
Sadly, if left untreated, rhododendron poisoning can be fatal in dogs. As such, it’s critical to learn the signs of rhododendron poisoning in dogs and what to do if your curious pup ventures a sample of this dangerous plant. We’ve also got some suggestions for safer floral options to keep your precious pooch safe.
Are Rhododendrons Poisonous To Dogs?
Yes, according to the ASPCA, rhododendrons are highly poisonous to dogs, as well as cats and horses. The poisonous compound found in these flowers is a neurotoxin known as grayanotoxin. Grayanotoxin affects the body’s nerve cells, harming the skeletal system and cardiac muscles.
Every single part of the rhododendron is toxic to your dog—that includes the plant’s stem, leaves, petals, pollen, and even vase water. It’s also important to understand that no amount of rhododendron consumption is safe for your dog. As the Pet Poison Helpline explains, ingesting as little as 0.2% of his body weight can be enough to poison your dog.
What Are The Signs Of Rhododendron Poisoning In Dogs?
Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning vary in severity, depending on the part of the plant ingested as well as the amount. Your dog’s size is also factor, and smaller dogs and puppies may be affected more dramatically than larger dogs. Symptoms of poisoning can appear as soon as one to three hours after consumption. The ASPCA urges pet owners to be on the lookout for these clinical signs of rhododendron poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive salivation or drooling
- Weakness and fatigue
- Lack of coordination
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Tremors
- Depression
- Blindness
- Leg paralysis
- Seizures
- Coma
If allowed to progress unchecked, symptoms of rhododendron poisoning can escalate until a dog’s central nervous system completely shuts down. According to the American Kennel Club, this can result in coma or death without adequate veterinary care.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Eaten A Rhododendron
When it comes to rhododendron poisoning, timing is everything. If you have reason to believe your dog has eaten any amount of a rhododendron, contact your vet ASAP. Your immediate response could be the difference between life and death. If the incident occurs late at night or on the weekend, contact the nearest emergency vet clinic. The sooner you seek help, the better your dog’s prognosis will be.
If possible, let your vet know which part of the plant and how much of it your dog has consumed. Or better yet—bring a sample of the plant into the clinic to help your vet determine the level of toxicity. A quick snapshot on your phone will also work in a pinch.
If you bring in your dog during the early stages of poisoning, your vet may administer medication to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal can also be used to move the toxins through your dog’s digestive tract. If your dog has become dehydrated from excessive vomiting or diarrhea, intravenous fluids may help him recover.
What If I Have Rhododendrons In My Garden?
Of course, some of us may already have rhododendrons in our homes or gardens. How can you ensure your dog doesn’t get into them?
For indoor bouquets, the safest solution is to re-gift them. We understand, however, if you’re not keen on the idea of giving up your flowers. If that’s the case, just make sure they’re inaccessible to your pup. Place them on a high shelf or in a room your dog doesn’t have access to.
If you have rhododendron bushes in your yard, make sure your dog stays away from them. Ideally, you can replace them with a safer alternative, like magnolia bushes or roses. But if you can’t bear to part with your precious blooms, consider installing fencing or netting around them.
Have a puppy? His small size and inquisitive nature may make him especially vulnerable around toxic plants. Breeds known for their voracious appetites and undiscerning palates are also at risk. A Labrador Retriever, for instance, may be more inclined to sample your flower beds than other dogs.
Dog-friendly Alternatives To Rhododendrons
If you like the look and fragrance of rhododendrons, not to worry—there are plenty of safer alternatives to choose from. Some of our favorite dog-friendly plants include:
- Gerbera daisy
- Orchid
- Snapdragon
- Freesia
- Limonium
- Statice
- Lisianthus
- Camellia
- Nasturtium
- Sunflower
- Coral Bells
- Polka Dot Plant
- Snapdragons
- Marigold
- Fuscias
As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to keep our homes free of dangerous plants and other toxins. To learn more about plant toxicity and dogs, check out Rover’s comprehensive database of poisonous plants to dogs and cats.