Is Sago Palm Toxic to Pets?
Yes — sago palm is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Yes — sago palm is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Yes — sago palm is toxic to horses and can be fatal.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Cycas revoluta
- Toxic compound
- Cycasin
- Toxic parts
- All parts, especially seeds
- Also known as
- cycad, coontie palm, cardboard palm
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Bloody or black diarrhea
- Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Bruising or bleeding
- Seizures
- Liver failure; often fatal
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Bloody or black diarrhea
- Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Bruising or bleeding
- Seizures
- Liver failure; often fatal
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Bloody or black diarrhea
- Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Bruising or bleeding
- Seizures
- Liver failure; often fatal
What to do
If your cat ate sago palm
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate sago palm
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate sago palm
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Sago palms cause liver failure, and survival is poor without fast treatment. One or two seeds can be enough to seriously harm a dog.
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Frequently asked questions
Is sago palm toxic to cats?
Yes — sago palm is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), bloody or black diarrhea, yellow gums or eyes (jaundice).
Is sago palm toxic to dogs?
Yes — sago palm is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), bloody or black diarrhea, yellow gums or eyes (jaundice).
Is sago palm toxic to horses?
Yes — sago palm is toxic to horses and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), bloody or black diarrhea, yellow gums or eyes (jaundice).
Which parts of sago palm are toxic?
All parts, especially seeds.
What makes sago palm toxic?
Cycasin.
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