Pet emergency
My dog ate Rzedowski's Dioon — what to do
Step by step
- Take rzedowski's dioon 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 rzedowski's dioon — FAQ
Is rzedowski's dioon poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Rzedowski's Dioon (Dioon rzedowskii) as toxic to dogs. Dioon species (family Zamiaceae) contain cycasin and other toxic glycosides throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or humans causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, acute liver failure, and neurological damage. Seeds are most toxic. ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to pets. Any ingestion should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
How serious is it if my dog ate rzedowski's dioon?
Rzedowski's Dioon 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. Dioon species (family Zamiaceae) contain cycasin and other toxic glycosides throughout all plant parts. Ingestion by dogs, cats, or humans causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, acute liver failure, and neurological damage. Seeds are most toxic. ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to pets. Any ingestion should be treated as a veterinary emergency. 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 rzedowski's dioon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is rzedowski's dioon toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Rzedowski's Dioon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide