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A message from Sonja Olson, DVM, Emergency Medicine
Florida is a horticulturist's heaven! A huge variety of plants can be grown year- round in the garden or in the home, providing immense beauty. Unfortunately, some of these plants are poisonous to pets.
We at Florida Veterinary Specialists have created this comprehensive toxic plant alert to educate pet owners about the potential dangers some plants pose to pets. The plant varieties presented here are commonly found in Florida yards and homes and are potentially poisonous to pets.
Just as we child-proof the home to protect curious young ones from harm, pet parents should also learn how to pet-proof homes and gardens for safety. Knowing which plants are of concern, and choosing them appropriately for your home environment can prevent illness or unnecessary trips to the veterinary emergency room.
Take time to familiarize yourself with problematic plants before heading to the nursery or home improvement center to make a purchase. Also evaluate those you already have at home and replace or move out of pets' reach as needed.
Additional resources are provided here to help you recognize symptoms of possible pet poisoning and a know what to do if your pet is in danger. Multiple resource links pertaining to the toxic plant alert are provided here for convenience. Please take a moment to visit the ASPCA-Animal Poison Control Center website ( www.aspca.org ) for a complete list of both toxic and safe plants for your environment. And bookmark this page in case of an emergency!
15 of Florida's most toxic household and landscape plants
Non-toxic Plants(Click here for a list of Non-toxic plants)
Signs your pet may have been poisoned
Symptoms that are observed in an animal that has ingested a toxin will of course vary depending on the toxin type and the amount ingested. Additionally, the time that has transpired since the time of toxin ingestion can also play a very large role in what organ systems will be affected.
These symptoms are some of the more obvious indications that your pet may have been dealing with a toxicosis and that veterinary evaluation/treatment would be indicated.
General
Fever
Hypothermia
Neurologic
Excitement/hyperactivity
Depression-coma
Seizures
Loss of muscle control; muscle tremors
Dilated or small pupil size
Hallucinating
Gastrointestinal
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling excessively
Trouble swallowing/pharyngitis
Dry mouth
Toxins impacting the liver
Yellow color to the skin, eyes, gums
Bright yellow color in the urine
Bruising
Vomiting
Disorientation - seizures
Toxins impacting the kidneys
Increased thirst and urination
Decreased appetite
Oral ulcers
Vomiting
Marked weakness
Cardiac effects
Very fast or slowed heart rates
Weak pulses causing hind limb or whole body weakness
Respiratory distress or labored breathing
Pale, bright pink/red, or cyanotic mucous membrane color
What to do when a pet is poisoned & poison safety kit
(Click here for what to do and a what you should have in a poison safety kit)
Additional Toxic Plant Resources
Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation (HAHF)
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
Hillsborough County Extension Service
Pinellas County Extension Service
University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS)
Media Reports - Toxic Plants and Pets
CBS - The Early Show
Tribute to “Tracker”, the termite-hunting beagle.
“Tracker” was a local working dog and beloved pet beagle owned by Sharon and Paul Roberts of Royal Termite and Pest Control in Tampa. He gained local and national media attention with his specially trained ability to detect termite activity in homes and business establishments.
Tracker lost his life earlier this year possibly because he ingested a toxic Sago Palm nut from a plant located in his own back yard. He was treated in the emergency clinic at Florida Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center, but the poisoning ultimately proved fatal.
This Toxic Plant Alert for Pets is dedicated to Tracker's memory and serves as a public service campaign to educate pet owners about the dangers that common house and garden plants in Florida may pose to your beloved pets.
Read more about Tracker's work, his family and his legacy.
(Click here to link to Royal Termite & Pest Control)
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