Overview

Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) are one of the most toxic plants to dogs and cats, with a mortality rate estimated at 50% or higher even with treatment. These popular ornamental plants are common in homes, yards, and landscaping throughout warmer climates, and they are frequently sold at home improvement stores and garden centers. Every part of the sago palm is poisonous, but the seeds (also called nuts or pods) contain the highest concentration of the toxin cycasin, which causes severe liver failure. Dogs are most commonly affected because they chew on the seeds or leaves. Even ingesting one or two seeds can be fatal. If you have pets, remove sago palms from your home and yard entirely.

Symptoms

Vomiting, bloody stool, jaundice, seizures, liver failure

Typical onset

12 hours - 3 days

What to do

Seek emergency care immediately. All parts are toxic; seeds/nuts are most dangerous. Mortality rate is high.