Is it toxic to dogs?
Oleander
Nerium oleander · Apocynaceae
Also called Rose bay, Rose laurel
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Severe
Yes. Oleander is one of the most toxic garden shrubs, and every part of it contains cardiac glycosides that can upset a dog's heart. Treat any chewing as an emergency.
- Toxic parts
- All parts, Leaves, Flowers, Stems
- Toxic compounds
- Cardiac glycosides (oleandrin)
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
- When signs start
- Merck Veterinary Manual says signs from cardiac glycoside plants usually appear within about 2 hours and can last for 4 to 5 days.
Signs of poisoning
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Weakness
- Irregular heart rate or rhythm
- Collapse
- Dangerously high blood potassium
- Death
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Oleander is a tough evergreen shrub with narrow leathery leaves and clusters of pink, white or red flowers. It is planted along fences, driveways and pool areas in warm climates, and it is also sold in containers.
The toxins are cardiac glycosides, including oleandrin, and Pet Poison Helpline says they are found throughout the plant. These compounds act on the heart, so oleander poisoning can cause stomach signs like drooling and vomiting together with an irregular heartbeat, weakness and collapse. Merck Veterinary Manual lists oleander among the most toxic ornamental plants and notes that deaths have been reported even with aggressive treatment.
Dogs usually reach oleander by chewing on branches or fallen leaves in a yard. Because the plant is so common in warm-climate landscaping, it is worth checking your own fence line and the neighbors' too.
If your dog ate oleander
Call for help immediately, even if your dog has only mouthed a leaf. Get your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison helpline on the phone before doing anything else. In the US, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); in other countries, call your local emergency vet. Never try to make your dog vomit yourself.
Watch your dog closely on the way to the clinic for vomiting, drooling, weakness or an odd heartbeat. Bring a leaf or photo so the vet can identify the plant, and tell them how long ago it happened. Your vet may check heart rhythm and potassium, because cardiac glycosides can disturb both.
Mention any pesticide or fertilizer used on the shrub.
Keeping your dog safe
If you have a dog, oleander is a plant to reconsider. Where you keep it, fence it off completely, pick up fallen leaves and flowers often, and dispose of clippings so they don't pile up where your dog can reach them. Don't tie or tether a dog near a hedge.
Practice "leave it" on walks, because oleander lines many roads and parking lots in warm regions. For a flowering shrub that is listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA, consider camellias or roses.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is oleander poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists oleander as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline says the toxin is present throughout the plant.
Which part of oleander is toxic?
All of it, including leaves, flowers and stems. Pet Poison Helpline says the toxin is found throughout the plant.
Is a little bit dangerous?
Merck Veterinary Manual ranks oleander among the most toxic plants, so a small amount shouldn't be dismissed. Call your vet or a poison helpline instead of waiting for signs.
How quickly do signs start?
Fast. Merck Veterinary Manual says signs from cardiac glycoside plants such as oleander usually appear within about 2 hours, so call right away rather than waiting.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy