Why is sago palm so deadly?
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) contains cycasin, a toxin that causes severe, often fatal liver failure. Even one seed can be deadly for a small-to-medium dog. Reported survival is 50% or less, and the toxicity does not depend on a "large dose".
Why speed matters
Delaying care significantly worsens outcomes. Some signs appear hours or days later, so "looks fine right now" is not a reason to wait.
Symptoms of sago-palm poisoning
- Within 15 min–3 h: vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, dark stools
- Lethargy, weakness, jaundice (yellow gums)
- Bruising or bleeding (liver failure)
- Seizures, coma in severe cases
What to do right now
- This is an emergency — go to a vet immediately, even if the dog looks fine.
- Bring any eaten seed or plant pieces for identification.
- Do not wait for symptoms.
- Treatment is aggressive decontamination plus intensive liver support; outcome is best when started within hours.
Sources & further reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — pet poison database & dosage references
- Pet Poison Helpline — toxicology triage guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — toxicology monographs
- Vets Now (UK) — emergency toxicosis guidance
Other poisonings with overlapping signs
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) Toxicity Calculator — shares signs: lethargy
- Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, Button) — shares signs: lethargy
- Birth Control & Hormone Pills — shares signs: lethargy
Owners also ask
Frequently asked questions
Is Sago Palm (Cycad) Poisoning poisonous to a dog or cat?
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) contains cycasin, a toxin that causes severe, often fatal liver failure. Even one seed can be deadly for a small-to-medium dog. Reported survival is 50% or less, and the toxicity does not depend on a "large dose".
What are the symptoms of sago-palm poisoning?
Within 15 min–3 h: vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, dark stools; Lethargy, weakness, jaundice (yellow gums); Bruising or bleeding (liver failure); Seizures, coma in severe cases
What should I do if my pet ate Sago Palm (Cycad) Poisoning?
This is an emergency — go to a vet immediately, even if the dog looks fine. Bring any eaten seed or plant pieces for identification. Do not wait for symptoms.
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