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.
If your pet shows any of the signs above, go to the nearest emergency vet now and call ahead.
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