Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
dog safety reference
Is Cycads safe for dogs?
Cycas and Zamia species
Cycads are ancient, palm-like gymnosperms that contain potent toxins throughout the entire plant, especially the seeds. Ingestion of any part of these plants is considered a medical emergency for pets.
Cardboard PalmCoontieCycas and Zamia speciesCycas revolutaSago Palm
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Slow-growing, woody stem
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
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.
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.
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Taxonomic database covering the Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae families.
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