Plants Toxic to Dogs in Florida: Is Your Backyard Safe?

Florida landscaping is beautiful. Palms, flowering shrubs, bright tropical leaves. But some of the most popular plants in Pasco and Hillsborough County yards are toxic to dogs, and a few can be deadly.

If you've got a dog who chews, digs or “taste tests” everything, this is the list to check your yard against today.

The Big One: Sago Palms

If you only remember one plant, make it this one. The sago palm is everywhere in Florida yards and HOA landscaping, and according to the ASPCA, every part of it is toxic to dogs, with the seeds being the most dangerous. Eating it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure. The native coontie palm is a close relative and is also toxic.

Other Common Florida Plants Toxic to Dogs

• Oleander: Popular as a hedge. All parts are toxic and can affect the heart.
• Azaleas: Common in shady yards. Can cause vomiting, drooling and weakness.
• Lantana: A favorite for butterflies, but toxic to dogs, especially the berries.
• Caladium, dieffenbachia and philodendron: Colorful leaves that can cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting.
• Aloe: Common in pots and gardens. Can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

This isn't every toxic plant out there. The ASPCA's full plant list for dogs lets you look up anything in your yard by name.

Warning Signs Your Dog Ate Something Toxic

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Weakness, wobbling or acting “off”
• Not eating
• Seizures (an emergency)

What To Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Take a photo of the plant or bring a piece of it so they know exactly what your dog got into. Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

How To Make Your Yard Safer

• Walk your yard and identify every plant. Look up anything you're not sure about.
• Remove or fence off sago palms and other high-risk plants.
• Pick up fallen seeds, berries and leaves, especially after storms.
• Give chewers safe toys and enough exercise, so the landscaping isn't the most interesting thing in the yard.

A bored dog explores with their mouth. A daily walk burns that energy off. See our guide on how much exercise a dog needs.

A Safer Yard Starts With a Cleaner One

When the yard is covered in waste, you stop walking it, and you stop noticing the seed pods, berries and storm debris your dog could get into. We clear the whole yard every visit, and if we notice something like fallen sago seeds near your dog's favorite spot, we'll let you know. Weekly service starts at $14.99 with no contracts, and every visit is backed by our Spotless Yard Guarantee: if we miss a spot, tell us within 24 hours and we'll come back and re-clean it free. Still not happy? That visit is free.

We're local, and we serve dog owners in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City. Get your free instant quote in about 60 seconds, with no phone call needed.

Keep reading: Why Dog Poop Is a Bigger Health Risk Than You Think.

About the Author

Tiffani, Owner of Scoop Dog

U.S. Army veteran and Zephyrhills dog mom to Luna and Snickers. Tiffani personally scoops yards and walks dogs across Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City, and writes every guide from what she sees in local backyards each week. Read her story.