Sago Palm
ToxicSago palm is one of the most lethal houseplants for dogs. The ASPCA names cycasin as the toxic principle and lists melena, icterus, coagulopathy, liver failure and death among the clinical signs.
This food guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It summarises general information from sources and should not be used to decide whether a food is suitable for an individual dog or to assess an emergency.
Check before feeding
Do not offer as a treat
There is no recommended treat portion for this hazardous item. If swallowed, contact a vet with the amount, time and product details. Do not induce vomiting yourself.
Signs and health concerns
This list includes both observable signs and conditions identified through examination or testing. It cannot establish the cause or whether an exposure is safe.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Black, tarry stool
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- Increased thirst
- Blood clotting disorder
- Bruising
- Liver failure
- Poor coordination or balance
- Weakness
- Seizures
More about this food
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta and Zamia species, also sold as coontie palm, cardboard palm, cycads and zamias) sits at the dangerous end of the houseplant list. The ASPCA gives the toxic principle as cycasin and the clinical signs as "vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death." Pet Poison Helpline stresses that "ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the seed (or nut)" causes severe GI distress including bloody vomit, nervous system signs such as a stumbling gait, weakness and seizures, organ failure, and death.
The timeline is what fools people. Severe vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes bloody, come within hours. Then there is often a deceptive lull where the dog seems better while liver cells are being destroyed. Jaundice follows as the gums and the whites of the eyes turn yellow, clotting factors drop so the gums bleed and bruises appear on the belly and ear flaps, and hepatic encephalopathy can bring disorientation and seizures. "He threw up and then perked up" is not evidence that this is over.
Sago palms are landscape plants across the Gulf Coast, Florida, Texas, Arizona and southern California, and they sell nationwide as bonsai and patio container plants, often shelved next to true palms with no warning label. The seeds are large, orange-red and easy for a dog to carry around like a toy. Rake up dropped seeds and trimmed fronds instead of leaving them in the bed.
Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Say sago palm, name the part eaten, and give the time and your dog's weight. In this poisoning, time is liver tissue, so do not wait for symptoms to justify the trip. Early decontamination, liver support, clotting times and blood products all work better when they start early. Do not induce vomiting at home; in a dog already developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis it is dangerous. Decontamination, activated charcoal, hepatoprotectants, IV fluids and transfusions are veterinary decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- He only chewed the tip of a frond. Is that really dangerous?
- Yes. The ASPCA's clinical sign list for sago palm ends in liver failure and death, and Pet Poison Helpline says any part of the plant can do it. Note the part and the time, and call your veterinarian or the APCC at (888) 426-4435 now.
- She vomited once and is eating normally again. Are we clear?
- No. Sago palm toxicosis often has a deceptive lull after the initial GI signs while liver injury progresses. By the time you see jaundice or bruising you are late, so call while she still looks well.
- Which part of the plant is worst?
- Pet Poison Helpline singles out the seed or nut as especially dangerous, but cycasin is present in the fronds, stem and roots too, so no part is safe. Clear dropped seeds and cuttings out of the pot and the surrounding bed.