On a warm Tucson afternoon, Ashley let her golden retriever, Luna, roam freely in the backyard while she tended to her desert garden. Everything seemed fine—until Luna started vomiting and drooling excessively. A frantic trip to the vet revealed that Luna had chewed on an oleander leaf, one of the most toxic plants in Arizona landscapes. Ashley had no idea her beautiful, drought-resistant plants could be so dangerous to her beloved pet.
If you have dogs, knowing which plants can harm them is essential. At Sonoran Oasis Landscaping, we help homeowners design safe and stunning landscapes that protect their pets while embracing Tucson’s natural beauty.
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
A common yet deadly plant, oleander contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, drooling, irregular heart rhythms, and even death in dogs. Even small amounts are dangerous. If you have dogs, consider safer alternatives like Texas sage or ruellia. Learn more about oleander toxicity from Pet Poison Helpline.
2. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Sago palms may add a tropical touch, but they’re one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part of the plant, especially the seeds, contains cycasin, which can cause liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and jaundice. ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List includes Sago Palm.
3. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana’s vibrant flowers make it popular in Arizona gardens, but its leaves and berries are toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and liver damage. If you love lantana’s colors, try pet-safe alternatives like desert marigold or penstemon. More on lantana poisoning from the ASPCA.
4. Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata)
Milkweed supports monarch butterflies but is toxic to dogs, affecting their nervous system and heart. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms. If you have dogs, plant butterfly-friendly flowers in a secure area. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension provides more details.
5. Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)
This drought-tolerant plant has toxic seed pods that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness in dogs. A safer option is the red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), which is less toxic but should still be kept out of reach.
6. Arizona Nightshade (Solanum species)
Nightshade plants, including silverleaf nightshade, contain solanine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors in dogs. Removing these plants can prevent accidental ingestion. More on nightshade toxicity from the ASPCA.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
To protect your pets from toxic plants:
Identify and remove hazardous plants in your yard.
Create a designated pet-safe zone with non-toxic plants like lavender, rosemary, and desert marigold.
Supervise your dog outdoors and train them to avoid chewing on unknown plants.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) immediately.
At Sonoran Oasis Landscaping, we can help you design and maintain a dog-friendly, desert-adapted landscape that keeps your pets safe while maintaining the beauty and sustainability of your outdoor space. Contact us today at (520) 546-2994 to learn more about pet-safe landscaping solutions!
Author
Deborah Munoz-Chacon
ISA Certified Arborist Lic # WE-6083A
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