Do you have this ornamental palm tree in your home or yard?

This is called a sago palm (also known as a cycad palm, or Cycas revoluta).  This palm is toxic to pets, especially dogs, and is common in Kihei, Maui, as well as the southern continental USA (for scientific references, click here).

The palm contains a poison called cycasin, which is found in the highest amounts in the seeds and roots of the tree.  The tree can get quite large, up to 30 feet, although most commonly is found as a potted palm from home and garden stores.

The cycasin toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bruising of the skin, blood in stool, and liver injury.  If treatment is started early, the toxin can be removed from the system.  However, there are some fatal cases in dogs who have consumed enough toxin.

If your dog has any of these signs, please contact us (click here) immediately.  For prevention, please be sure your dog will not have access to parts of this plant to use as a chewing toy.