Are azaleas harmful to dogs? Yes, azaleas can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts. The toxins in the plant can cause severe damage to a dog’s vital organs, particularly the heart and nervous system.
Read on to learn more about the extent of their toxicity and the symptoms your dog may experience if they consume azaleas.
What Is Azalea Poisoning?
Azalea poisoning is a type of toxicity resulting from ingesting the azalea plant.
The flowering shrub belongs to the Rhododendron family with the scientific name Rhododendron spp. It goes by other monickers such as:
- Rosebay
- Rhododendron
Some pawrents might confuse certain rhododendron species for the azalea plant because of its rhododendron nickname.
To put it simply, all varieties of azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Azalea plants are small to medium shrubs while their rhododendron cousins tend to be larger.
Causes of Azalea Poisoning in Dogs
Azaleas are flowers poisonous to dogs because they contain cardiac glycosides known as grayanotoxins.
If consumed, these toxic chemicals tether themselves to the sodium channels located in the cell membranes.
They elicit dangerous side effects in the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems of dogs.
Which Part of an Azalea Are Poisonous to Dogs?
All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs including its:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap
- Seeds
- Stems
The pollen, nectar, and honey produced by azaleas contain cardiac glycosides too. Toxicity caused by eating the plant’s honey was dubbed “mad honey disease” in humans.
How Toxic Are Azaleas to Dogs?
The Pet Poison Helpline determines that the azalea may cause moderate to severe poisoning in dogs.
The amount of grayanotoxins can vary depending on its species because some varieties were crossed with other rhododendron plants, which are also toxic to canines.
However, dogs will only need to ingest 0.2% of their body weight for poisoning to take place. If you own a 25-pound pooch, eating 0.05 ounces of the plant will make him start to exhibit signs of toxicity.
Symptoms of Azalea Poisoning in Dogs
What happens if a dog eats an azalea plant? Gastrointestinal issues such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may happen if your dog eats an azalea plant in small doses.
Consuming excessive quantities of the poisonous shrub will cause interference with the cardiac and nervous functions of canines. More life-threatening symptoms will begin to appear, such as:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Irregular heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Seizures
- Tremors
Manifestation of these clinical signs warrants a prompt visit to the vet. But before you do, note down crucial details of the accidental ingestion of the azalea plant.
These include the time of ingestion, the amount consumed, the species of the plant, and the part of the shrub eaten. The information will help the vet create an informed decision about your dog’s treatment options.
Diagnosis of Azalea Toxicity in Dogs
Upon arriving at the vet clinic, your dog will undergo a full physical examination. Certain tests such as complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemistry profile can also be carried out for a precise diagnosis result.
The vet may inquire if your dog is currently under any medication. This is done to rule out other potential causes of toxicity and also gauge the possibility of a drug interaction.
Treatment of Azalea Poisoning in Dogs
The vet will induce vomiting in your dog to keep the cardiac glycosides from getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Activated charcoal will also be administered to help prevent the absorption of the toxins.
In cases of delayed treatment, your dog will be given anesthetic and then gastric lavage to get rid of most if not all the grayanotoxins in his system.
Vomiting and diarrhea may lead to excessive water loss in the body, leading to dehydration. To combat this, affected dogs will be given an IV drip.
If the heart rate falls below 40 to 50 beats per minute, respiratory support and atropine are required to stabilize your canine companion’s condition.
Recovery Time of Azalea Poisoning in Dogs
The prognosis of azalea poisoning in dogs is middling. If treatment was provided on time, recovery would be quicker.
Canines experiencing mild toxicity get better after 24 hours. On the other hand, it will take a bit longer for severe poisoning to be successfully treated. So expect extended stays in the vet clinic for hospitalization.
Fatal health complications may occur if azalea poisoning is not addressed swiftly. It can result in coma and loss of life.
14 Dangerous Plants to Dogs
Azaleas are not the only poisonous plants for dog pawrents should be cautious of. Keep your canine companion away from the following plants as they can cause alarming adverse reactions:
1. Amaryllis
The lycorine in amaryllis irritates the canine gastric tract, resulting in stomach upset.
2. American holly
This plant contains a cocktail of chemicals like saponins and cyanogens that trigger severe gastric distress in pooches.
3. Aloe vera
The white sap of the aloe vera houses anthraquinone glycosides that cause tummy troubles when ingested.
4. Baby’s breath
It produces the toxin gyposenin, which is a stomach irritant that can cause mild stomach issues.
5. Begonia
The soluble calcium oxalates in the plant can cause vomiting and kidney failure in severe cases.
6. Chrysanthemum
A variety of toxins can be found in the plant that inhibits proper digestive and neural functions. Skin exposure can result in dermatitis.
7. Daffodil
Daffodil contains the same poisonous compound as a baby’s breath and causes nearly similar side effects. The plant is also armed with skin-irritating insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
8. Gladiola
The plant produces an unidentified toxin that induces gastric problems such as vomiting.
9. Milkweed
It has cardiotoxins that impede the proper heart function in dogs.
10. Oleander
Similar to azaleas, oleander contains a certain type of cardiac glycoside that causes heart problems.
11. Poison ivy
Poison ivy harbors a mildly toxic compound called urushiol. Skin contact with this compound leads to rashes, while ingestion causes stomach upset.
12. Sago palm
What is the most toxic plant to dogs? Sago palm is one of the most toxic plants to dogs.
Its main poisonous agent cycasin attacks the liver, digestive, and nervous systems. Immediate and aggressive treatment is critical for the survival of poisoned dogs.
13. Tomato plant
The leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain solanine. It causes gastrointestinal distress, abnormal heart function, and neural problems.
Young tomato fruits also have high concentrations of the toxin. Once they are fully ripe, their solanine content dramatically decreases.
14. Tulip
Tulips contain toxins similar to that of azaleas. Ingestion also causes heart issues in dogs.
FAQS About Azaleas for Dogs
1. Are Azaleas Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Yes, azaleas are poisonous to dogs and cats. Other pets such as horses are susceptible to the plant’s toxins too. Azalea poisoning in livestock like goats has occurred as well.
2. Are All Azaleas Poisonous to Dogs?
All varieties of azaleas are poisonous to dogs, so keep Fido away from them. The same goes for other subspecies belonging to the Rhododendron family.
3. Are Azaleas Poisonous to Touch?
Azaleas are not poisonous to touch. However, according to anecdotal claims, touching the plant’s sap may cause skin irritation.
4. How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Eating My Azaleas?
You can get your dog to stop eating your azaleas by keeping it securely fenced. The barricade should be high enough to prevent him from accessing the plant.
Spritz your azaleas with a repellent spray for dogs such as vinegar or bitter apple. Their scent is off-putting to canines.
Summary
The active toxic agent in the azalea called grayanotoxin causes cardiac and neural issues in dogs. Consuming any part of the plant, including its pollen or honey, even in minimal doses is enough to result in poisoning.
Protect your dog from the dangers of accidental plant poisoning by knowing which species to avoid. Our Plants section provides relevant information about other toxic plants to canines.
