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 Coontie Palm safe for dogs?
Zamia pumila
Zamia pumila is a cycad native to the southeastern United States, often grown as an ornamental landscape or container plant. It contains toxic compounds that can cause severe health complications if ingested by pets.
Cardboard PalmCoontieFlorida ArrowrootZamia pumila
- Light
- Bright indirect light to partial shade
- Habit
- Slow-growing, clumping shrub
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs are the pet most often poisoned by coontie palm — they'll chew seeds, leaves, or roots dropped in the yard, and ASPCA reports even one or two seeds can be fatal. Pet Poison Helpline lists this cycad family among the deadliest plants for dogs, with roughly half surviving even with treatment.
What to watch for
Vomiting (often bloody), bloody or dark stools, drooling, severe lethargy, increased thirst, jaundice (yellow gums or skin), bruising, and tremors or weakness as liver failure sets in.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline reports GI signs in dogs typically begin 15 minutes to 4 hours after ingestion; liver failure can develop over the next 2–3 days. Survival drops sharply when treatment is delayed.
When to call the vet
Go now. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) en route to the clinic — do not wait for symptoms. Any chewed leaf or swallowed seed is a true emergency.
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, increased thirst, bruising, and liver damage.
Escalation note
The entire plant is considered poisonous to dogs. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as symptoms can progress rapidly to liver failure.
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
Questions about Coontie Palm
Is Coontie Palm toxic to dogs?
Yes, Coontie Palm (Zamia pumila) is highly toxic to dogs — the entire plant is considered poisonous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, bloody stools, jaundice, bruising, and severe liver damage. Even a small amount warrants immediate veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of Coontie Palm poisoning in dogs?
Symptoms typically begin within 15 minutes to 4 hours of ingestion and include vomiting (often bloody), bloody or dark stools, drooling, severe lethargy, increased thirst, and jaundice (yellow gums or skin). As liver failure progresses over the following 2–3 days, bruising and tremors or weakness may also appear.
What should I do if my dog ate Coontie Palm?
Go to an emergency vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 en route to the clinic. Any chewed leaf or swallowed seed is a true emergency, and survival drops sharply when treatment is delayed.
How quickly does Coontie Palm cause liver failure in dogs?
GI signs such as vomiting and bloody stools can begin as soon as 15 minutes after ingestion. Liver failure can develop over the next 2–3 days, making rapid veterinary intervention critical — the prognosis worsens significantly the longer treatment is delayed.
Same dog verdict
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