How poisonous are Rhody's to dogs? (veterinary, stomach, treatment, diarrhea)
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When we're outside playing in the driveway or I'm doing yard work, we keep Shep on a 20 ft tie in. It's next to a very large Rhododendron bush. dh was going nuts because Shep kept chewing on the branches and leaves. Later in the evening he threw up his dinner. But he ate it back up and seems to be fine. The next time I did yardwork I gave him a plastic soda bottle and that seemed to keep him from going for the bush so much, but I did see him chewing on some greenery. He didn't throw up though.
Someone just told me Rhody's are highly poisonous to dogs. How poisonous? Enough to just make them vomit? Enough to kill them or do serious damage? We have Rhody's everywhere, and it's not just our house. They're EVERYWHERE.
Better safe than sorry. I would keep dogs away from them...
According to a list distributed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Poison Control Center, rhododendrons are toxic to many domestic animals, including dogs. While beautiful in a garden, it is best not to allow your dog to remain unsupervised around these plants for long, as serious health problems can ensue.
Amount
It only takes the ingestion of a small amount of rhododendron matter to cause problems for dogs. The amount ingested may have a different effect depending upon the dog's weight. All parts of the rhododendron plant are considered toxic.
Chemical Properties
Rhododendrons contain a toxin called grayantoxin, which is a neurotoxin. Neurotoxins work to poison the nerve cells of the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms normally occur one to three hours after ingestion. They include, but are not limited to upset stomach, lack of appetite, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, ataxia, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and fatigue.
Serious Effects
After the initial symptoms of toxicity present themselves, intense vomiting and diarrhea, coma, low blood pressure, cardiovascular and central nervous system shutdown and death are all possible unless treatment is sought.
Treatment
If you suspect your dog has ingested rhododendron, seek emergency veterinary medical attention. Medications, as well as life support measures, may be administered to your pet.
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