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"QUICK BITE"
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Toxic plants are an uncommon but important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Central Florida gardens contain a number of common plants that bloom year round. It is important to identify these plants and to prevent your pets from coming into contact with them.
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Toxic Plants
As a veterinarian and an avid gardener, I commonly field questions regarding the toxicity of plants commonly found in central Florida gardens. One must first appreciate the difference between plants that are truly toxic and plants that can irritate the skin or gastrointestinal tract. For example, consuming even a small portion of a sago palm may cause a dog to become acutely ill. This is because the sago is toxic to animals. However most grasses are not toxic, but if an animal ingests enough grass (especially if there is fertilizer or pesticide on the surface), the animal may vomit due to irritation of the stomach. Here is a list of the most important toxic plants commonly found in central Florida gardens that may cause toxicity to our pets:
1.Sago palm
Poisonous part- entire plant
Toxic effects- vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, weakness, seizures
2. Lantana
Poisonous part- entire plant, especially berries
Toxic effects- vomiting, diarrhea
3. Oleander
Poisonous part- entire plant, including water that has contacted the flowers
Toxic effects- vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias
4. Azalea
Poisonous part- leaves and honey from flower nectar
Toxic effects- vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, ulceration of the mouth
5. Japanese yew
Poisonous part- entire plant, including the seeds
Toxic effects- vomiting, diarrhea, inco-ordination, cardiac arrhythmias
These are just a few examples of common outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. There are many others and if you think that your pet may have ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may also obtain information by calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. In most cases your veterinarian will not have a specific antidote for the toxic but will likely provide supportive care. This may include induction of vomiting, lavage of the stomach, administering activated charcoal, iv fluids, and thermal support. This article does not include common indoor plants that are toxic including dieffenbachia, lilies, and certain ivies.
Jason Palm, DVM
Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic
6525 Old Winter Garden Road
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 299-3969
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