Pet emergency
My dog ate Vazquez's Zamia — what to do
Step by step
- Take vazquez's zamia 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 vazquez's zamia — FAQ
Is vazquez's zamia poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Vazquez's Zamia (Zamia vazquezii) as toxic to dogs. Zamia vazquezii, as a member of the Zamiaceae family, contains macrozamin and other azoxyglycoside toxins closely related to cycasin. The ASPCA lists Zamia species (including Zamia pumila, coontie palm/cardboard palm) as toxic to dogs and cats; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially fatal liver failure. All parts — especially seeds — are toxic, and ingestion requires immediate veterinary attention.
How serious is it if my dog ate vazquez's zamia?
Vazquez's Zamia 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. Zamia vazquezii, as a member of the Zamiaceae family, contains macrozamin and other azoxyglycoside toxins closely related to cycasin. The ASPCA lists Zamia species (including Zamia pumila, coontie palm/cardboard palm) as toxic to dogs and cats; symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and potentially fatal liver failure. All parts — especially seeds — are toxic, and ingestion requires immediate veterinary attention. 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 vazquez's zamia well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is vazquez's zamia toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Vazquez's Zamia and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide