Azalea

Yes, azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are highly toxic to cats. They contain grayanotoxins and even a small amount of plant material can be life-threatening, so immediate veterinary attention is required if ingestion is suspected.

Early signs include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion. As poisoning progresses, watch for weakness, wobbling, tremors, slowed or irregular heartbeat, and a drop in body temperature — severe cases can involve low blood pressure, depressed consciousness, and cardiac collapse.

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately — don't wait for symptoms to appear. If it's safe to do so, remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and bag a leaf or flower sample to bring to the vet. Do not induce vomiting at home without instructions from a professional.

Symptoms typically begin within a few hours of ingestion. With prompt supportive veterinary care, most cats recover over 24–48 hours; however, severe cardiac cases can take longer and are occasionally fatal without treatment.

Yes, azaleas are highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, and even small amounts can cause serious illness. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog has chewed or swallowed any part of the plant.

The first signs are usually excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, often with loss of appetite. As poisoning progresses, watch for weakness, wobbling, tremors, and cardiac signs — slow or irregular heart rate, pale gums, or labored breathing. Severe cases can progress to seizures and cardiovascular collapse. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of ingestion.

Remove any plant material still in your dog's mouth and bag a sample of leaves or flowers to bring to the vet. Do not give hydrogen peroxide or anything else to induce vomiting unless directed by a professional — call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 first. Don't wait for symptoms to appear; earlier treatment matters with grayanotoxin poisoning.

Azalea poisoning is considered a veterinary emergency. With aggressive supportive care, most dogs recover within 24–72 hours; severe cardiac cases can take longer. Left untreated, however, azalea ingestion can be fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is critical.