April 8th, 2010 
Jennifer Mackay As the weather warms up and we find ourselves outside more with our children and pets, now is the time to consider some of the dangers that may be lurking in our yards.
One of these dangers that recently claimed the life of our own Brenda Rutherford’s beloved dog, Rip, was a nut from a Sago Palm, while the Rutherfords’ were out with Rip.
These ornamental shrub/palms look beautiful alongside drive ways and in potted plants, but pose a serious poison hazard to pets and children.
According to the ASPCA website, symptoms of Sego Palm Nut poisoning include: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, and even death.
These bright red nuts look like a tasty chew toy, and it only takes a minute for a pet to ingest, or a child to put one in their mouth.
If you think your pet has gotten a hold of one of these nuts, please contact the ASPCA’s poison control at (888) 426-4435 (there is a $65 consultation fee) or contact your vet if during regular business hours.
Also pick up whatever it is that your pet was chewing on to bring to the vet’s office with you.
Please keep an eye on your four legged friends and children when out in your yard or visiting at a neighbors, and don’t let them fall victim to these plants, or any other toxins.
Thank you!
Jennifer Mackay
850-774-6582
Florida Real Estate | Panama City
“Liked this post? Subscribe to my Panama City Real Estate blog RSS feed and get loads more!”
Posted in 
Tags: 
Great post for all of us dog lovers. Thanks for posting!
Hi Ashlee,
Glad you enjoyed it. We have to look out for our 4 legged friends
Do you have Sago Palms in Fort Worth? Feel free to repost (please the links) to help your customers and neighbors.
Best wishes
Jennifer, We recently lost our King Charles Spaniel to Sego nut poisoning. We did not have the plant in our yard and suspect the squirrels or birds brought it in. Our little one (2yrs old) smuggled it into the house and ate it later. She fought for one month with daily IVs at our vet. She sent us to a nearby Vet school and they removed her spleen because it was dying but the liver was too damaged to heal itself. Please continue to let everyone know how deadly this horrible plant is that needs labeling at the store not only for our furry family but for children. I am so sorry for your loss and grieve for my special baby. Her soul mate misses her as much as we do. There is no bringing her back but I hope our suffering alerts others to this horrible possibility.
Margo,
My deepest sympathies on your loss.
I know first hand how it feels to experience the loss of a pet – a member of the family.
Of course I will continue to share information as I become aware of it, not only for real estate but also information that affects our pets, homes and all other aspects of our lives.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Those little palms are very eye catching and the symptoms you listed are enough to make any homeowner start cutting their strubs down to get rid of them. Thanks for the warning.
Hello Susan,
Eye catching and dangerous! I’ve removed a few from my yard after finding out how dangerous they were.
Best wishes
Wow, Jennifer, what a terrible thing to have happen to something you love.
I have issues with black widows. I am always going around the parameter of my house with a can of raid. My dogs are small and would probably die if they got bit. Thank you so much for the tip.
Chris,
Yes it is terrible – We have to be careful with foliage if we own pets or have small children.
Best wishes
Hi Jen,
Really wonderful post about Panama city. But It sadden me much about this poisonous sago palm. I wonder why the Homeowners allow them to grow this kind of plant.
Maria,
Many home owners are not aware there are poisonous plants in their back yard.
It’s all part of my customer service to keep my customers informed whenever I find out anything relating to their homes.
Best wishes