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Is Byfield Fern Cycad toxic to dogs?

Bowenia spectabilis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — byfield fern 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. Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after ingestion.

What to do if your dog ate byfield fern cycad

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move byfield fern 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 byfield fern cycad to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is byfield fern cycad toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is byfield fern cycad toxic to dogs?

Yes — byfield fern cycad is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats byfield fern cycad?

Bowenia spectabilis is a cycad and contains macrozamin and other azoxy glycosides — potent hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. All parts are toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. Seeds are most concentrated but fronds and the underground tuber are also dangerous. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately after 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 byfield fern cycad.

What should I do if my dog ate byfield fern 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 byfield fern cycad toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to byfield fern 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 byfield fern cycad pet-safety