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Is Cape Cycad toxic to dogs?

Stangeria eriopus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — cape 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What to do if your dog ate cape cycad

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

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

Is cape cycad toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cape cycad toxic to dogs?

Yes — cape cycad is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cape cycad?

Toxic to cats and dogs. As a cycad (Stangeria is the sole genus in family Stangeriaceae, order Cycadales) it contains cycasin, consistent with the ASPCA's toxic listing for sago palm and related cycads. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage and neurological signs. Treat ingestion as a veterinary emergency. 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 cape cycad.

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

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to cape 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 cape cycad pet-safety