Pet emergency
My dog ate Burrawang — what to do
Step by step
- Take burrawang away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate burrawang — FAQ
Is burrawang poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Burrawang (Macrozamia communis) as toxic to dogs. Contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same hepatotoxic compound found in Cycas revoluta. Ingestion by dogs or cats causes vomiting, diarrhoea, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver failure, and can be fatal within 24–48 hours. Seeds are most concentrated. ASPCA classifies the closely related Cycas and Zamia genera as toxic; Macrozamia shares the same toxic profile. Seek immediate veterinary care.
How serious is it if my dog ate burrawang?
Burrawang is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Contains cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same hepatotoxic compound found in Cycas revoluta. Ingestion by dogs or cats causes vomiting, diarrhoea, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver failure, and can be fatal within 24–48 hours. Seeds are most concentrated. ASPCA classifies the closely related Cycas and Zamia genera as toxic; Macrozamia shares the same toxic profile. Seek immediate veterinary care. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep burrawang well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is burrawang toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Burrawang and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide