Is Desert Rose Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Adenium obesum
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cardiac glycosides |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm with large ingestion
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm with large ingestion
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Advertisement
What to do
Treat as an emergency — this is a close relative of Oleander with a similarly dangerous cardiac glycoside profile despite its much smaller, potted-succulent appearance.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Desert Rose is cardiac glycosides.
What makes this plant different
Desert Rose is a popular bonsai-style succulent prized for its swollen trunk, and despite its small potted size, it's a close Apocynaceae relative of Oleander sharing that family's dangerous cardiac glycoside chemistry — its diminutive stature doesn't reduce its severity.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Adenium obesum
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Also known as
- Desert Rose, Desert Azalea, Impala Lily, Kudu Lily, Mock Azalea, Sabi Star
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Bitter Root
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Confederate Jasmine
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Desert Azalea
Adenium obesum
Dogbane Hemp
Apocynum spp.
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control