Sago Palm Trees and Pets: The Toxic Plant to Look out for

Sago Palm trees are widely found across the United States, especially in warmer climates in the south. They can also be found as ornamental or decorative houseplants in homes across the country. What most pet parents don’t realize about these plants, however, is just how toxic they can be to pets.

What is a Sago Palm Tree?

The Sago Palm belongs to a species called Order Cycadacae, which are mostly found in tropical and subtropical environments. They’re beautiful, but just not safe to have around pets. While the entire plant itself is toxic and poisonous to pets, it’s the Sago Palm seeds that are the most toxic–and the part you should avoid at all costs, especially when it comes to protecting your pets.

What’s Wrong With Sago Palms?

When it comes to our furry friends–our beloved pets, it’s our job to keep them safe from anything that is toxic, poisonous, or could otherwise be harmful to them. As it turns out, Sago Palm Trees are toxic to pets! They can cause serious issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, Jaundice, lethargy, black-tarry stool, and more! Even when pet poisoning by the Sago Palm is treated by a veterinarian, only about half of pets survive. And as with most poisons, if left untreated, the results can and will be deadly.

The Sago Palm basically causes severe liver failure in dogs and signs can appear within a few minutes or in several hours. Other signs can include excessive drooling, weakness, seizures, tremors, and other issues with the central nervous system. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, please get them to us or the nearest emergency veterinarian right away!

How to Avoid the Sago Palm Tree and Other Toxic Plants for Pets

The best practice we suggest is this: do not allow your pets to eat plants you’re unfamiliar with. Period. We’ve all seen dogs who love to eat grass, but grass is an easy plant to identify in your yard, while many others aren’t–especially during early spring when plants haven’t matured yet. If your pet has tendencies to eat plants while on outings, be sure to train them to stay focused on their walk rather than attempting to eat plants and other things along the way.

What Other Plants are Toxic for my Pets?

Besides the Sago Palm Tree being poisonous to your fur baby, there’s a slew of other plants that can be harmful to pets if ingested. Plants that are toxic to pets include: lilies, mistletoe, foxglove, oleander, geranium, daffodil, tulips, aloe vera, azalea, autumn crocus, and more. It’s a good idea to do some research before choosing houseplants or the next picks for your outdoor garden. That way, everyone can have a safe and lovely time at home. Including your pets.

Keep Your Pets Safe and Healthy

Here at Bayside Animal Hospital, keeping your pets as safe and healthy as possible is our ultimate goal. If you have any other questions about Sago Palms or other plants that are toxic to pets, be sure to give us a call at (281) 334-2273. We look forward to seeing you and your pet at their next wellness visit.