My dog ate sago palm (cycad) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Cycasin causes liver failure; seeds are most toxic and one or two can be fatal.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Cycasin causes liver failure; seeds are most toxic and one or two can be fatal.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, jaundice, bleeding, seizures.
When: 15 min - hours; liver 2-3 days
Frequently asked questions
Is sago palm (cycad) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Cycasin causes liver failure; seeds are most toxic and one or two can be fatal. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate sago palm (cycad)?
Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, jaundice, bleeding, seizures.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats sago palm (cycad)?
15 min - hours; liver 2-3 days
What should I do if my dog ate sago palm (cycad)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: sago palm
- ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants: sago palm
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Houseplants and ornamentals
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: cycad, coontie, cardboard palm, sago · Category: Plant · Last reviewed 2026-10-14