Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Yellow Oleander safe for dogs?
Thevetia peruviana
Yellow Oleander is a highly toxic evergreen shrub known for its bright, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers and narrow, leathery leaves. All parts of this plant contain potent cardiac glycosides that are dangerous if ingested by pets.
Be-still TreeCascabela thevetiaLucky NutThevetia peruvianaYellow Oleander
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Evergreen shrub or small tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
For dogs, yellow oleander is one of the most dangerous garden plants. Every part of the plant contains cardenolide cardiac glycosides that inhibit the sodium/potassium pump in heart muscle, causing potentially fatal arrhythmias even from small ingestions. Dogs that chew on fallen leaves, seeds, or yard clippings are at immediate risk.
What to watch for
Earliest signs are vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea, often within an hour. Cardiac signs follow: a slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness or wobbliness, cold limbs, and lethargy. Severe cases progress to collapse and sudden death from heart-rhythm failure.
Time window
Gastrointestinal signs typically appear within 1–2 hours; cardiac arrhythmias can follow within hours and persist for 24+ hours, requiring inpatient ECG monitoring. Sudden death has been reported within hours of ingestion in serious cases.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — any ingestion is an emergency. Get to an ER vet right now and phone the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) en route. Do not wait for cardiac symptoms; once arrhythmias appear, the window for intervention narrows quickly.
First aid at home
Take any plant material (or a clear photo) with you to the clinic to confirm identification. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give activated charcoal without veterinary instruction — call ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and follow their guidance while you transport your dog.
Sources: ASPCA.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, and weakness.
Escalation note
The cardiac glycosides in this plant can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog has chewed or swallowed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Yellow Oleander contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Questions about Yellow Oleander
Is yellow oleander toxic to dogs?
Yes, yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) is highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain potent cardiac glycosides, and any ingestion is considered a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
What are the symptoms of yellow oleander poisoning in dogs?
Early symptoms include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy, typically appearing within 1–2 hours of ingestion. Cardiac signs follow — slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness, wobbliness, and cold limbs — and can progress to collapse or sudden death from heart-rhythm failure within hours.
What should I do if my dog ate yellow oleander?
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately and transport your dog to an emergency vet at once. Do not induce vomiting at home and do not give activated charcoal without veterinary instruction. Bring a piece of the plant or a clear photo to confirm identification at the clinic.
How quickly does yellow oleander affect a dog's heart?
Gastrointestinal signs typically appear within 1–2 hours; cardiac arrhythmias can follow within hours and may persist for 24 or more hours, requiring inpatient ECG monitoring. Do not wait for heart symptoms to appear before seeking help — once arrhythmias begin, the window for effective intervention narrows quickly, and sudden death has been reported within hours of ingestion in serious cases.
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