Is Oleander Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compounds in oleander:

• Cardiac glycosides
• Oleandrin

If your dog ate oleander, watch for:

• •Drooling
• •Abdominal pain
• •Diarrhea
• •Colic
• •Vomiting and loss of appetite
• •Irregular heart rate and rhythm (arrhythmia)
• •Weakness and collapse
• •Depression
• •Death

How much oleander is dangerous for a dog?

Very little. Every part of the oleander plant contains cardiac glycosides, and only a small amount needs to be eaten to cause serious illness. Dogs have become gravely ill from ingesting just a few leaves, from eating meat cooked on an oleander skewer, or from drinking water that held oleander leaves or flowers. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

What are the warning signs my dog ate oleander?

Early signs include drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More dangerously, the cardiac glycosides affect the heart, causing an irregular heart rate and rhythm, weakness, collapse, and potentially death. Cardiac signs can be life-threatening, so do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is dried oleander or oleander smoke safe around dogs?

No. The toxins are not destroyed by drying, and dried plant material remains poisonous. Burning oleander is also hazardous, and water that has held the leaves or flowers becomes toxic. Keep dogs away from all oleander material, including fallen leaves, clippings, and bonfire smoke.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Oleander
• Pet Poison Helpline - Oleander

Last updated 2026-06-25