Is Azaleas & Rhododendrons Toxic to Rabbits?

All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that interfere with sodium channels in cells. Even eating a few leaves can cause serious poisoning in pets.

Quick Answer

Yes, azaleas & rhododendrons is toxic to rabbits. Highly toxic — all parts of the plant. All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that interfere with sodium channels in cells. Even eating a few leaves can cause serious poisoning in pets. Watch for symptoms like drooling and vomiting and diarrhea.

Emergency

If your rabbit was exposed, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Symptoms to Watch For

Drooling and vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness and tremors
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Seizures and coma in severe cases

Timeline

Symptoms can appear within hours of ingestion.

Treatment

Contact vet immediately
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed
IV fluids and anti-nausea medication
Cardiac monitoring for severe cases

Prevention

Remove azaleas from accessible areas
Fence off garden beds containing these plants
Be aware these are extremely common landscape plants
All 1,000+ species of rhododendron are toxic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is azaleas & rhododendrons toxic to rabbits?▼

Highly toxic — all parts of the plant. All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that interfere with sodium channels in cells. Even eating a few leaves can cause serious poisoning in pets.

What happens if my rabbit is exposed to azaleas & rhododendrons?▼

Symptoms include: Drooling and vomiting; Diarrhea; Weakness and tremors. Symptoms can appear within hours of ingestion.

What should I do if my rabbit ingested azaleas & rhododendrons?▼

Contact vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. IV fluids and anti-nausea medication.

How can I protect my rabbit from azaleas & rhododendrons?▼

Remove azaleas from accessible areas. Fence off garden beds containing these plants. Be aware these are extremely common landscape plants. All 1,000+ species of rhododendron are toxic.