Florida’s Flora and Fauna: Husky Owners Beware
Whether you’re new to Florida or a longtime resident, think “Safety First” when it comes to your cherished Husky companions
Not only should you be wary of certain trees, plants, and flowers that are native to the state but those in your own garden. While the list below simply points the way, it’s a paw-fect place to start:
Cycads – Included in this notorious group are the Sago Palm, Cardboard Palm, and Florida Arrowroot, all of them extremely poisonous to both humans and animals. A single seed from a Sago Palm, for example, can kill a medium-sized dog.
Aroids – Also called arums, this famous family includes philodendron, pothos, peace lily (Spathiphyllum), arrowhead plants (Syngonium), elephant ear (Caladium), Dieffenbachia and common Lantana camara. Containing crystals of calcium carbonate called raphides that form microscopic needles, they can cause discomfort and irritation to your dog’s lips, mouth and throat if consumed in small quantities.
Azaleas – As dazzling as they are dangerous, azaleas are also terrifyingly toxic.
Angel Trumpet – Although every part of this “heavenly” named plant is toxic, the seeds are the most lethal part. They can lead to paralysis in a dog and, on occasion, to death.
Oleander – A lush shrub that comes in an array of cheerful colors, it’s sadly most notable for its toxicity. Every part of it contains traces of two potent cardiac glycosides (oleandrin and neriine), and according to legend, its name is a Latinized form of Greek for the phrase, “I kill.”
Lilies – Every variety, from the elegant Easter lily and Calla lily to the Peace lily, is highly poisonous. Ingesting the pollen alone can potentially kill your dog.
Foxglove – Boasting stalks of bells in a variety of purple shades, this annual is quite toxic, causing severe nausea and vomiting in dogs.
Kalanchoe – A genus of approximately 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants, they may be lusciously colored, but they also contain cardiac toxins which, when ingested by dogs, cause gastrointestinal irritation, stomach upset, and vomiting.
Euphorbias – While this family of plants is commonly found in gardens, some, including the poinsettia, croton, and crown of thorns, exude an irritating whitish latex sap when cut that can prove toxic to dogs.
Abrus precatorius – Another family of pretty plants found in gardens include the Castor bean (Ricinus communis) and rosary pea, both potentially fatal for dogs.