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Pet safety

Is Bush Cycad toxic to dogs?

Encephalartos trispinosus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — bush cycad is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All Encephalartos species are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds, roots, and leaves contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides), which causes vomiting, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any ingestion.

What to do if your dog ate bush cycad

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move bush cycad out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bush cycad to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten bush cycad, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bush cycad toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is bush cycad toxic to dogs?

Yes — bush cycad is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All Encephalartos species are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds, roots, and leaves contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides), which causes vomiting, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats bush cycad?

All Encephalartos species are severely toxic to pets and humans. The seeds, roots, and leaves contain cycasin (azoxymethanol glycosides), which causes vomiting, liver necrosis, and can be fatal. ASPCA classifies cycads as severely toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after any ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to bush cycad.

What should I do if my dog ate bush cycad?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bush cycad toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bush Cycad is toxic to cats as well. See the full bush cycad pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to bush cycad?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bush cycad pet-safety