Is it toxic to dogs?
Camellias
Camellia japonica · Theaceae
Also called Common camellia, Japanese camellia
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists Camellia japonica as non-toxic to dogs. Azaleas, which grow in the same shady beds and bloom at a similar time, are toxic.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Camellias are glossy-leaved evergreen shrubs that bloom in winter and early spring. ASPCA lists Camellia japonica as non-toxic to dogs. No toxic principle or clinical signs are given.
That makes camellias a good choice for a yard with a dog, with two caveats. ASPCA's listing covers Camellia japonica; if you grow another camellia, such as the tea plant, check its Latin name in the database or ask your vet. And, as with any plant, eating a lot can cause a mild upset stomach.
The look-alike problem is azalea. Azaleas and rhododendrons like the same shady, acidic beds, and their showy spring blooms can resemble camellias at a glance. ASPCA lists azalea (rosebay, rhododendron) as toxic to dogs because of grayanotoxin, with vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and cardiac failure listed.
If your dog ate camellias
A few chewed leaves or petals are rarely a problem. ASPCA lists Camellia japonica as non-toxic, though your dog may have a mild upset stomach with vomiting or loose stool.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a lot, or the plant was treated with fertilizer or a pesticide. Call right away if you are not sure the shrub is a camellia and not an azalea. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not make your dog vomit at home. Take a photo of the plant and any product label.
Keeping your dog safe
Camellias grow slowly into large shrubs, so plant them in a border or along a fence where dogs are less likely to dig around the roots. Sweep up fallen petals so they are not easy for a dog to scoop up.
If you feed your camellias, mind the product. Pet Poison Helpline warns that fertilizers can contain iron, other minerals and added pesticides, and that meal-based fertilizers can form a mass in the stomach. Store them out of reach and ask your vet about when treated areas are safe.
Label your shrubs. For other dog-friendly shrubs, ASPCA lists rose of Sharon (hibiscus) and roses as non-toxic.
Frequently asked questions
Are camellias poisonous to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists Camellia japonica as non-toxic to dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
Is the tea plant a camellia?
Yes, the tea plant is also in the genus Camellia, but ASPCA's non-toxic listing is for Camellia japonica. For other camellias, check the Latin name or ask your vet.
How do I tell camellias from azaleas?
Read the plant tag. Camellia is non-toxic, while azalea (rhododendron) is toxic to dogs, with vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and heart problems among the listed signs. If you are unsure, treat the shrub as toxic.
Can fallen camellia petals hurt my dog?
The petals are not poisonous, but eating a lot can cause mild stomach upset. The bigger concern is anything sprayed or fed to the shrub.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy