Is Rosebay Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Rhododendron spp
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TOXICDogs
SevereTOXICCats
SevereTOXICHorses
SevereQuick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Grayanotoxins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Symptoms in dogs
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rate
- Collapse
Symptoms in cats
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
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What to do
Treat as an emergency — grayanotoxins affect heart rhythm and can progress quickly even if the pet seems fine initially.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Rosebay is grayanotoxins.
What makes this plant different
Rosebay is a traditional common name for Rhododendron, carrying the identical grayanotoxin risk as plants sold under the more common 'Azalea' or 'Rhododendron' labels.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Rhododendron spp
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Also known as
- Rosebay, Rhododendron, Azalea
- Typically found
- outdoor
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The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Plant toxicity data is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control