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Is Sago Palm toxic to dogs and cats?

Cycas revoluta · Cycadaceae

Yes — Sago Palm is toxic to pets (critical). Dogs especially; also cats

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Is Sago Palm toxic to cats?Is Sago Palm toxic to dogs?
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Why it is toxic

Cycasin, metabolised to a potent liver toxin, plus the neurotoxin BMAA. All parts are toxic and the seeds are the most concentrated.

How fast symptoms appear: Stomach signs 15 minutes to several hours; liver failure at 2–3 days

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea, often bloody
  • Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
  • Bruising and abnormal bleeding
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Seizures
What to do first
  1. Go to an emergency vet immediately, even for a single chewed seed. Reported mortality is roughly 30–50%.
  2. Do not wait for symptoms — the liver damage develops after the stomach signs settle.
  3. Bring the plant tag or a photo; sago is frequently mislabelled as an ordinary palm.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Emesis or gastric lavage, repeated activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and serial liver enzyme and clotting panels. Liver protectants such as SAMe and N-acetylcysteine are standard; plasma and vitamin K are used if clotting fails.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Pet Poison Helpline; Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.