The Toxic Cardboard Plant Took My Young Beagle's Life

BY ELIZABETH WHITE

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. Please take the time to identify the plants in your pet's environment. It could save their life!

On January 27, I lost my 6 1/2 year old beagle, JoJo to liver failure. She ingested the toxic seeds of the cardboard plant. The cardboard plant is one of three common cycads, the other two being sago and coontie. They are all very popular landscaping plants. There are many throughout my Dunedin neighborhood. Sadly, they are also extremely toxic to children and animals.

Six days in the ER with a hopeful vet who would not give up could not save JoJo from the ravaging effects of the horrible plant toxins.

JoJo was in the prime of her life and was the sweetest, happiest dog I've ever had. Her sudden, tragic and preventable death left me stunned and devastated.

If sharing her story can help save other pets and owners from this heartache, her death will not be for nothing.

Please check your homes and yards for potential poisons. Identify the plants in your yard and remove the toxic ones if you have pets so that you don't experience the sudden, tragic loss of a young, vibrant and beloved pet.

ASPCA Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care...