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 Cyclamen safe for dogs?
Cyclamen spp
Cyclamen is a popular flowering tuberous plant known for its upswept petals and patterned foliage. It contains triterpenoid saponins which are concentrated in the roots and can cause significant irritation if ingested by pets.
Cyclamen sppFlorist's CyclamenPersian CyclamenSowbread
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Mounding
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. ASPCA classifies cyclamen as toxic to dogs; the terpenoid saponins concentrated in the underground tubers can cause severe symptoms, while the leaves and flowers most dogs chew on usually produce milder GI upset. Dogs that dig in pots are at higher risk because that's where the dangerous tuber lives.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea from leaf or flower ingestion. With tuber ingestion: heart-rhythm abnormalities, weakness, collapse, or seizures, on top of the GI signs.
Time window
Mild GI signs after eating leaves or flowers usually appear within a few hours and resolve in under 24 hours. Onset and duration after tuber ingestion are not well documented in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call any time vomiting persists, the dog seems weak or wobbly, or you see fainting or seizure-like behavior. If your dog dug up and chewed a tuber, treat it as an emergency — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away.
First aid at home
Take the dog away from the plant, wipe out any visible plant fragments from the mouth, and offer water. Per Pet Poison Helpline, withhold food and water for a few hours to let the GI tract settle. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
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
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Escalation note
The tubers contain the highest concentration of toxins; ingestion may cause serious systemic effects. Please consult your veterinarian if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
Questions about Cyclamen
Is cyclamen toxic to dogs?
Yes, cyclamen is toxic to dogs. It contains triterpenoid saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. The tubers have the highest concentration of toxins and can cause serious systemic effects including heart-rhythm abnormalities, weakness, and seizures.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating cyclamen?
After eating cyclamen leaves or flowers, expect drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea — usually within a few hours, typically resolving within 24 hours. If your dog dug up and chewed a tuber, watch for more severe signs: heart-rhythm abnormalities, weakness, collapse, or seizure-like behavior on top of the GI upset.
What should I do if my dog ate cyclamen?
Move the dog away from the plant, wipe any visible plant material from its mouth, and offer water. Do not induce vomiting at home. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately — especially if your dog chewed a tuber, which should be treated as an emergency.
Is the whole cyclamen plant equally dangerous, or are some parts worse for dogs?
The tubers (the underground root bulb) contain the highest concentration of triterpenoid saponins and pose the greatest danger — tuber ingestion can cause heart-rhythm abnormalities, weakness, and collapse in addition to GI signs. Leaves and flowers are less concentrated but still toxic enough to cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Same dog verdict
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