⚠ Emergency: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 · 24/7

Toxic plant safety guide

Is Oleander toxic to cats and dogs?

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides and can affect the heart. It should not be kept where pets can chew leaves, flowers, stems, or dried plant material.

Quick safety answer

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is listed as high toxicity for pets. Relevant pets: dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Keep this plant out of reach and treat any confirmed ingestion seriously.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Collapse

Symptoms can vary by pet size, amount eaten, and the exact plant part. A lack of symptoms right away does not always mean the exposure is safe.

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove the plant, save a photo or plant label, estimate how much was eaten and when, then call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to.

Emergency contacts: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Safer alternatives

  • Rose
  • Snapdragon
  • Zinnia
  • Gerbera daisy

Sources

This page uses conservative wording based on veterinary and poison-control plant safety references.

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxic plant database
  • Pet Poison Helpline toxic plant references
  • Merck Veterinary Manual cardiac glycoside poisoning overview