Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Cycads - what should I do?
Cycas and Zamia species
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, bloody stools, jaundice, bruising, coagulopathy, and liver failure.
Escalation note
Highly dangerous; the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxins. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as the prognosis is guarded even with aggressive treatment.
First aid at home
Bring the dog and a sample or photo of the plant straight to the nearest emergency vet — do not wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting at home unless directly instructed by a vet or poison control, and do not give activated charcoal on your own. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) on the way.
What to watch for
Within hours: drooling, vomiting (often with blood), diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Over the next 1–3 days: jaundice, dark or tarry stools, easy bruising, increased thirst, weakness or wobbly gait, tremors, and seizures as the liver fails.
Time window
GI signs start 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion. Neurologic signs and liver failure typically appear within 2–3 days. Hospitalization usually runs at least 3–5 days.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately — every minute matters. Pet Poison Helpline reports roughly 50% mortality even with aggressive treatment, and survival depends on getting the dog decontaminated within the first hour or two.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — extremely toxic, treat as an emergency. ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and Zamia, including sago palm) as toxic to dogs; cycasin and BMAA in every part of the plant — and especially the seeds — cause acute liver failure. Pet Poison Helpline notes that even a single seed can kill a dog.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.