About Rosebay toxicity

Rosebay (Rhododendron spp) is marked as potentially toxic to cats, dogs, horses in the Plants4Pets database. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and read the species-specific notes below.

Is Rosebay toxic to cats, dogs or horses?

Community confirmations show that other users find this rating helpful. They are not verified by our team.

Rosebay plant details and common names

Family: Ericaceae

Also known as: Rhododendron, Azalea

Other language names: Różanecznik, rododendron

Safety advice if a pet eats Rosebay

Many popular houseplants and garden species can cause vomiting, drooling, skin irritation or more serious symptoms when chewed by cats, dogs or horses. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary consultation.

If your pet has eaten any part of Rosebay (Rhododendron spp), note the amount ingested, watch for unusual behaviour and contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately.

Found outdated or incorrect data? Use the report form below or e-mail kontakt@plants4pets.pl with the plant name, species affected and your source — we review every submission.

FAQ: Rosebay and pet toxicity

Is Rosebay toxic to cats?
Yes. According to Plants4Pets, Rosebay is toxic to cats. 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. Toxic principles: Grayantoxin This entry has not been manually verified yet — treat it as guidance only.
Is Rosebay toxic to dogs?
Yes. According to Plants4Pets, Rosebay is toxic to dogs. 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. Toxic principles: Grayantoxin This entry has not been manually verified yet — treat it as guidance only.
Is Rosebay toxic to horses?
Yes. According to Plants4Pets, Rosebay is toxic to horses. 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. Toxic principles: Grayantoxin This entry has not been manually verified yet — treat it as guidance only.
Which pets are most at risk from Rosebay?
Our database flags Rosebay as toxic to: cats, dogs, horses.
What should I do if my pet eats Rosebay?
Remove remaining plant material, do not induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to, and seek professional help immediately with the plant name ready.

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