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Is Oleander toxic to dogs and cats?

Nerium oleander · Apocynaceae

Yes — Oleander is toxic to pets (critical). Dogs, cats, birds, horses and livestock

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Is Oleander toxic to cats?Is Oleander toxic to dogs?
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Why it is toxic

Cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, neriine) in every part, including dried leaves

How fast symptoms appear: 1–4 hours

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • High blood potassium
  • Tremors
  • Collapse
What to do first
  1. Emergency vet immediately — this poisons the heart rhythm, not just the stomach.
  2. Keep your pet still and quiet; exertion worsens arrhythmia.
  3. Do not induce vomiting at home.
  4. Bring a sample of the plant.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Decontamination, continuous ECG, intravenous fluids, atropine for a slow heart rate, antiarrhythmics, and digoxin-specific antibody fragments in severe cases.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology; Milewski & Khan, J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.