Are Palm Tree Seeds Poisonous to Dogs?

A single sago palm seed can put a dog on its death bed.

People love planting palm trees across the garden yards because of their sweeping foliage and attractive structure. While chalking out a list of palm trees for the ornamentation of your garden, toxicity and safety issues endowed with them play a crucial role. And if you have a dog at home, then choosing palms for your garden becomes all the more difficult.

Out of all the species of palms, there are some that are extremely prickly and thorny, while some bear nuts and berries that can be troublesome to you as well as your pet. Therefore, thorough details regarding palms are very important. Knowing the names of the poisonous palms and which part of the tree is hazardous will keep you and your dog in a safe spot.

Sago PalmAlso known as Cycas revoluta, this palm species is not only toxic to dogs, but also to humans. The seeds and nuts of sago are the most toxic parts of the palm. This palm contains a toxic chemical called cycasin. When ingested in large quantities (any part of the plant), it can harm the liver and neurological system permanently. Other than this, diarrhea, dizziness, bleeding from orifices, hind-limb paralysis, and seizures are a few signs a dog will show after its ingestion.

Foxtail PalmScientifically known as Wodyetia bifurcata, it has been widely used for landscape gardening. The fruit it bears resembles a peach. Diterpene is a toxic compound found extensively in its seeds and bark. It is harmful to the dogs. Although these are considered to be the best ornamental palms, we are sure you wouldn't like your dog to be harmed by it. Also, not just the seeds and bark, but the entire palm is toxic.

Cardboard PalmThe alternative names for this palm are Jamaican Sago, Mexican Cycad, and the scientific name Zamia furfuracea. The cardboard palm propagates only through its bright red seeds (most toxic part). Known to be the most poisonous palm after sago, ingestion of any part of the cardboard palm can be highly toxic to the dog. The early symptoms are excessive dehydration, and the dog can gradually suffer from liver and kidney failure, leading to paralysis.

Formosa PalmThis palm is also known as Taiwan sugar, Taiwan arenga palm, Arenga engleri, or dwarf sugar palm. This palm tree is characterized by olive green leaves, reddish-orange flowers, and purple fruits. But don't be fooled by these purple beauties. The outer coat of these fruits is so toxic that they can cause rashes to the hand when it comes in contact. Imagine what can happen to your dog if he chews on these nutty fruits!

Fishtail PalmYou can also call it Caryota, Caryota mitis, or just a Fishtail Palm. The fruits comprise acidic oxalic acid, which can inflame the skin when it comes in contact. Gardeners always use thick gloves while dealing with this palm.

A few seeds of this palm can forever, put the dog to rest. Constantly keeping an eye if the dog is gnawing or sucking at the palm seeds can be a tough task. The seeds on entering the dog's mouth cause severe burning sensation. We feel that you should completely avoid having this palm with dogs around.

Queen SagoWidely known as fern palm or false sago, the queen palm tree (Cycas circinalis) seeds are loaded with lethal neurotoxins. These are bright orange seeds that are large and poisonous. When ingested, the dog can be paralyzed or killed. In some parts of the world, the seeds it bears are soaked into water to remove the poison, and then ground into a flour for making soups and tortillas. The water that is soaked in can be used as a strong poison with an ability to kill a goat, dog, or cow.

Apart from these, the king palm tree seeds and royal palm tree seeds are also not suggested if you have a dog at home.

Other Potential Harmful PalmsBelow is the list of the scientific names of various toxic palms. Although written records do not provide much information, but dog owners with these palms have had issues of pet intoxication.

Acanthophoenix crinita

Astrocaryum standleyanum

Bactris gasipaes

Calamus latifolia

Mauritiella armata

Oncosperma horridum

Plectocomia elongata

Roscheria melanochaetes

Salacca zalaca

Trithrinax campestris

Verschaffeltia splendida

Trithrinax brasiliensis

Pigafetta elata

Zombia antillarum

Washingtonia robusta

Arenga australisica

Areca catechu

Phoenix canariensis

Butia capitata

Dypsis decaryi

Chamaerops humilis

Acrocomia aculeata

The list also includes palms that produce poisonous berries and nuts. So please make sure that you are extremely careful while having these palms (with dogs around).

On a concluding note, we would suggest that protect your dog and watch out for poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, dizziness, depression, abdominal pain, and nosebleeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, rush to doctor without any delay.

(Buzzle)