Rhododendron

Also known as: Rosebay, Azalea

Clinical Signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. Rhododendron is typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available, but sheep and goats may graze readily on the plant. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

Family

Ericaceae

Scientific Name

Rhododendron spp

Toxic Principles

Grayantoxin

Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list (dogs), scraped 2026-07-14 from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list · view original