A dog’s daily walk in Los Angeles turned into a nightmare when it came into contact with a highly toxic plant called the firestick. Chris Carter’s dog, Jackson, brushed against the plant and soon developed severe skin irritation, hives, and a fever. The vet bill totaled $3,000, and Jackson took three weeks to recover.

Dangerous Beauty

The firestick plant, which originated in South Africa and Madagascar, is commonly sold in gardening stores as a low-maintenance landscape piece. However, its bright coral-orange branches and striking fire-like appearance hide a deadly secret: the plant’s sap can cause severe skin irritation, eye damage, and even vision loss in animals.

Many homeowners are unaware of the danger of putting firesticks in their yards. The plant can be found lining neighborhood sidewalks, at the base of residential trail systems, and even in front of elementary schools. Experts warn that education and increased awareness are key to reducing the risk of exposure.

Veterinarians advise pet owners to be cautious and to remove the plant from their yards. If a pet comes into contact with the firestick plant, owners should rinse the affected area with water and seek immediate veterinary attention. The ASPCA operates a 24-hour Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 for emergency assistance.

Homeowners who enjoy the bold beauty of the firestick plant but want to protect their animals can consider alternative, pet-safe plants such as the Haworthia, California Fuscia, and California Lilac.

Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.