No More Sago Palms began after my dog Harper was hospitalized and nearly died from ingesting part of a Sago Palm plant. My goal is to educate the community on the dangers of these plants to
both humans and animals.
both humans and animals.
WHAT IS A SAGO PALM?
A Sago Palm is not a palm at all, but is actually a Cycad that grows naturally in tropical and subtropical environments like the Southern United States. It has become popular as a commercial landscape plant in these areas in part due to its easy maintenance. See images above.
WHY ARE SAGO PALMS HARMFUL?
Sago Palms contain Cycasin, which is the primary active toxic agent resulting in severe liver failure. Ingestion of just one seed can cause permanent liver damage or death. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is less than 50%.
ARE SAGOS HARMFUL TO HUMANS TOO?
YES! Sago Palms can cause liver damage to humans if ingested. Most adults know better than to eat any parts of this plant, but who is to say an infant or toddler might not? Wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SAGO PALM?
If you think there is a chance your pet may have ingested ANY part of a Sago Palm, and especially if it is showing any symptoms of inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures or tremors, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention from a veterinarian. Timely treatment can make all of the difference.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE THE POISON TO AFFECT MY DOG?
While Sago Palm poisoning can affect dogs instantly upon ingestion, it can also take weeks to months to affect a dog. So even if your dog is tested right after contact and has normal blood work, continue to have it tested regularly for up to 6 months following ingestion (especially if it exhibits any symptoms). Vets have been noticing many cases recently of delayed reactions to Sago Palm poisoning. Owners take their pets home, only for them to die weeks or months later because they did not continue treatment. Be sure to keep your pet on any liver medications (likely Denamarin) ordered by your vet for at least 6 months.
BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY PETS ... SHOULD I WORRY?
Most definitely YES! You many not have any pets, but what if a seed falls off of your plant and blows into a neighboring yard? And don't forget that Sago Palms are toxic to humans as well if ingested. While it is unlikely an adult will do so, remember that it's better to be safe than sorry!
A Sago Palm is not a palm at all, but is actually a Cycad that grows naturally in tropical and subtropical environments like the Southern United States. It has become popular as a commercial landscape plant in these areas in part due to its easy maintenance. See images above.
WHY ARE SAGO PALMS HARMFUL?
Sago Palms contain Cycasin, which is the primary active toxic agent resulting in severe liver failure. Ingestion of just one seed can cause permanent liver damage or death. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is less than 50%.
ARE SAGOS HARMFUL TO HUMANS TOO?
YES! Sago Palms can cause liver damage to humans if ingested. Most adults know better than to eat any parts of this plant, but who is to say an infant or toddler might not? Wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SAGO PALM?
If you think there is a chance your pet may have ingested ANY part of a Sago Palm, and especially if it is showing any symptoms of inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures or tremors, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention from a veterinarian. Timely treatment can make all of the difference.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE THE POISON TO AFFECT MY DOG?
While Sago Palm poisoning can affect dogs instantly upon ingestion, it can also take weeks to months to affect a dog. So even if your dog is tested right after contact and has normal blood work, continue to have it tested regularly for up to 6 months following ingestion (especially if it exhibits any symptoms). Vets have been noticing many cases recently of delayed reactions to Sago Palm poisoning. Owners take their pets home, only for them to die weeks or months later because they did not continue treatment. Be sure to keep your pet on any liver medications (likely Denamarin) ordered by your vet for at least 6 months.
BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY PETS ... SHOULD I WORRY?
Most definitely YES! You many not have any pets, but what if a seed falls off of your plant and blows into a neighboring yard? And don't forget that Sago Palms are toxic to humans as well if ingested. While it is unlikely an adult will do so, remember that it's better to be safe than sorry!