NEW WARNING AFTER COMMON PLANT CAUSES HORRIFIC DOG INJURY
Source: 7News (Extract)
Posted: September 10, 2020
Pet owners are being warned to be vigilant about a variety of popular plant that can be toxic and dangerous.
The sap of the Euphorbia family of succulents is poisonous if ingested and can cause burns and irritation when touched.
Succulents are incredibly sought after in Australia due to their ability to grow and thrive in even the harshest of conditions.
Popular varieties of Euphorbias include Fire Stick and Crown of Thorn plants, available at most nurseries.
But now Australians are being warned about this common species of succulents due to its toxicity.
Posting on Facebook, one Queensland pet page shared photos of the damage Euphorbia succulents can do to a dog.
The images show the black dog with a large burn along its back, which can happen when a Euphorbia plant’s sap comes into contact with fur and skin.
“With succulents now becoming more popular in our gardens, please make yourself aware of how toxic some can be,” wrote Sal’s Pet Services on Facebook.
“One of the more commonly known poisonous succulents is the Euphorbia family.
“The plant goes by many different common names: Fire Stick Plants, Indian Tree Spurge, Naked Lady, Pencil Tree, Rubber-Hedge, Sticks on Fire or Milk Bush.
“Although it is a tough and attractive plant, it comes with a warning.
“The sap of this plant is extremely toxic if ingested, and will cause burns or irritation if in contact with the skin or eyes.
“It is not recommended that it is planted where children or pets will encounter it, and away from pathways where it might be brushed against.”
There have been documented cases where dogs have fallen ill from touching or eating Euphorbia plants, with one small pup nearly dying from burns to its mouth and throat.
“This is a growing problem when pets are left alone in houses where toxic succulents now reside in lieu of traditional houseplants,” gardening expert Maureen Gilmer told The Desert Sun.
It’s been advised that pet owners should google the botanical name of any succulent they wish to buy to ensure they are safe before purchasing.
“I have several Euphorbia varieties growing at my place but I don’t mess with the sap,” said one keen gardener.
“I wear safety glasses and gloves when I garden anywhere near them and my dogs don’t eat them or roll around amongst them.
“Be sensible and learn about Euphorbias or don’t get them.”