Florida's year-round growing season means toxic plants are a threat every month. This guide covers the most common dangers to dogs and cats in our area — plus foods that are dangerous no matter the season.
Florida-Specific Hazards
Unlike most of the country, Florida pet owners face toxic plant exposure year-round. Many of these plants are widely used in local landscaping and appear completely harmless.
Even small amounts of these plants can cause death. Seek emergency care immediately if ingested.
One of the most deadly plants for pets in Florida. Every part is toxic, but the seeds (nuts) contain the highest concentration of cycasin, which causes severe liver failure. Just one or two seeds can kill a dog. Sadly, it is one of the most popular landscaping plants in Volusia County.
All parts of this beautiful flowering shrub — leaves, flowers, stems, and even the water in a vase — are extremely toxic. Oleander contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Even tiny amounts can be fatal to both dogs and cats.
Contains ricin, one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances known. Ingestion causes oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. Symptoms typically appear 12–48 hours after ingestion. Potentially fatal in even small amounts.
A beautiful butterfly-attracting shrub that hides a dangerous secret. The berries are especially toxic, containing high concentrations of triterpenoids that can rapidly cause liver failure. Lantana grows prolifically throughout Volusia County.
True lilies are immediately life-threatening to cats — even a small amount of pollen, a few petals, or water from the vase can cause acute kidney failure. Day lilies and Calla lilies are also toxic. Dogs experience milder GI symptoms but should still be seen promptly.
Relatives of the Sago Palm, these cycads are frequently found in Florida landscapes. Like the Sago, their seeds cause liver failure. The coontie is actually a Florida native that is growing in popularity — but it is just as dangerous. Seeds must be removed when they fall.
These plants cause serious illness and require prompt veterinary attention.
All parts contain grayanotoxins, which interfere with muscle and nerve function. Even chewing on stems during pruning can cause toxicity. Common in Central and North Florida landscapes.
Among the most popular houseplants in the country — and among the most common causes of pet poisoning. Contain insoluble calcium oxalates that cause intense irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract the moment they are chewed.
Caladiums are one of the most loved plants in Florida for their stunning tropical foliage. Unfortunately, all parts are poisonous to pets when chewed or swallowed due to calcium oxalate crystals. A very common cause of pet poisoning in our area.
A very popular landscape plant found in many Florida gardens, especially poisonous through the berries and roots. Can cause vomiting, depression, anorexia, and in cats, dilated pupils and increased heart rate.
Despite its delicate, innocent appearance, foxtail fern is toxic to both pets and people. Its red berries and white flowers are the most dangerous parts. Can also cause skin irritation on contact.
A staple of Florida households for sunburn relief, aloe is ironically toxic to pets. The saponins and anthraquinones in aloe cause significant gastrointestinal upset. Keep it out of reach — especially of cats, who are particularly sensitive.
Most species cause mild GI upset — vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Very common in Florida yards.
The bulbs are the most toxic part. Causes vomiting, depression, tremors, and low blood pressure.
Green tomatoes and leaves/stems contain solanine. Ripe red tomatoes are generally safer in small amounts.
Bulbs contain the highest toxin concentration. Can cause intense vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
Kitchen & Pantry Dangers
Many everyday human foods can be seriously harmful — or fatal — to dogs and cats. When in doubt, don't share from the table.
| Food | Affects | Why It's Dangerous | Symptoms | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate & Cocoa | Dogs & Cats | Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are most dangerous. Even small amounts of cocoa powder can be fatal. | Vomiting, hyperactivity, tremors, irregular heartbeat, seizures | Critical |
| Grapes & Raisins | Dogs | Even a small number can cause sudden, acute kidney failure. The toxic compound is still being studied — no safe amount is known. Currants and sultanas carry the same risk. | Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure within 12 hours | Critical |
| Xylitol | Dogs | Sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters, toothpaste, and baked goods. Causes a massive insulin release, leading to dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure. | Vomiting, weakness, seizures, coma, liver failure | Critical |
| Onions, Garlic, Chives & Leeks | Dogs & Cats | All forms are dangerous — raw, cooked, powdered, or in seasoning mixes. Allium vegetables destroy red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Cats are more susceptible but dogs are also at serious risk. | Pale gums, lethargy, weakness, dark urine, anemia | Critical |
| Macadamia Nuts | Dogs | Even a small handful can cause serious neurological symptoms within 12 hours. The exact toxin is unknown. Not well-documented in cats — avoid to be safe. | Weakness, incoordination, vomiting, tremors, fever | High |
| Avocado | Dogs & Cats | Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The large pit is also a choking and obstruction hazard. Birds and small mammals are much more severely affected. | Vomiting, diarrhea, fluid accumulation | High |
| Alcohol | Dogs & Cats | Pets are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans. Even small amounts — including from unbaked bread dough, which ferments in the stomach — can cause dangerous intoxication and respiratory failure. | Vomiting, disorientation, low blood sugar, coma, respiratory failure | Critical |
| Raw/Undercooked Dough | Dogs & Cats | Yeast in unbaked bread dough continues to rise inside a warm stomach, causing painful bloating and releasing alcohol as a byproduct. Can be life-threatening. | Bloating, discomfort, vomiting, alcohol toxicity | High |
| Caffeine | Dogs & Cats | Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Caffeine overstimulates the nervous system and heart in pets. Dangerous even in small concentrations. | Restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, heart arrhythmia | High |
| High-Fat Foods | Dogs & Cats | Fatty table scraps like gravy, turkey skin, and butter won't cause immediate toxicity but can trigger pancreatitis — a painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy | High |
| Cooked Bones | Dogs & Cats | Cooking makes bones brittle. They can splinter and cause mouth lacerations, choking, or perforate the intestines. Raw bones carry less risk but should still be given with supervision. | Choking, vomiting, internal injury, obstruction | High |
| Salt & Salty Snacks | Dogs & Cats | Large amounts of salt cause sodium ion poisoning. Keep chips, pretzels, and heavily salted foods away from pets. Can be especially dangerous for cats. | Excessive thirst/urination, vomiting, tremors, seizures | High |
| Milk & Dairy | Dogs & Cats | Most adult pets are lactose intolerant. Dairy products commonly cause digestive upset. Not life-threatening but uncomfortable. | Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps | Moderate |
| Nutmeg | Dogs & Cats | Contains myristicin. Large amounts cause serious neurological symptoms. Common during the holiday season in baked goods. | Disorientation, tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate | High |
If Your Pet Is Exposed
Time matters. Remove your pet from the source and keep them calm. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian — it can cause additional harm with some toxins.
Call Coronado Animal Clinic at (386) 423-9551 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, fee may apply).
If possible, identify exactly what was ingested and how much. Bring the plant, packaging, or a photo with you. Note the time of exposure. This information helps us treat your pet faster and more effectively.
Walk your yard and identify every plant. Remove or fence off any hazardous plants. Keep pantry foods secured. The ASPCA maintains a complete searchable database of toxic and non-toxic plants at aspca.org.