Pet emergency
My dog ate Micholitz's Cycad — what to do
Step by step
- Take micholitz's cycad 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 micholitz's cycad — FAQ
Is micholitz's cycad poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Micholitz's Cycad (Cycas micholitzii) as toxic to dogs. All parts of Cycas micholitzii are severely toxic. Cycads contain cycasin (methylazoxymethanol), which causes acute liver failure, neurological damage, and death in dogs, cats, and humans. Even a small amount of seed or leaf material can be fatal to pets. ASPCA lists the Cycas genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats.
How serious is it if my dog ate micholitz's cycad?
Micholitz's Cycad 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. All parts of Cycas micholitzii are severely toxic. Cycads contain cycasin (methylazoxymethanol), which causes acute liver failure, neurological damage, and death in dogs, cats, and humans. Even a small amount of seed or leaf material can be fatal to pets. ASPCA lists the Cycas genus as severely toxic to dogs and cats. 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 micholitz's cycad well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is micholitz's cycad toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Micholitz's Cycad and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide