Oleander

Oleander

Nerium oleander
Dogs: Severe Cats: Severe

Veterinary Emergency

EMERGENCY. Immediate vet care. Cardiac monitoring required. Activated charcoal may be administered. Antidote (digoxin-specific antibodies) exists but is expensive.

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Plant Information

Nerium, Rose Bay, Jericho Rose

Apocynaceae

garden

Highly Toxic — Emergency Risk

Toxicity Details

all parts, including dried leaves and smoke from burning

Cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, neriine)

1-4 hours

severe

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Cold extremities
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Death

What to Do

EMERGENCY. Immediate vet care. Cardiac monitoring required. Activated charcoal may be administered. Antidote (digoxin-specific antibodies) exists but is expensive.

Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or poison control immediately.

About Oleander

Oleander is one of the most toxic plants in existence. A single leaf can kill a dog. Even water collected in containers near oleander can be toxic. Common in warm climates as a landscape shrub, it's responsible for numerous pet fatalities each year.

Safe Alternatives

These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets: