Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Eastern Cape Blue Cycad toxic to dogs?

Encephalartos horridus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — eastern cape blue 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 parts of Encephalartos horridus contain cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same potent hepatotoxin present in Cycas revoluta (sago palm). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, severe liver failure, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and Zamia) as toxic; Encephalartos shares the same toxicology. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.

What to do if your dog ate eastern cape blue cycad

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

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

Is eastern cape blue cycad toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is eastern cape blue cycad toxic to dogs?

Yes — eastern cape blue cycad is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Encephalartos horridus contain cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same potent hepatotoxin present in Cycas revoluta (sago palm). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, severe liver failure, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and Zamia) as toxic; Encephalartos shares the same toxicology. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats eastern cape blue cycad?

All parts of Encephalartos horridus contain cycasin (methylazoxymethanol glucoside), the same potent hepatotoxin present in Cycas revoluta (sago palm). Ingestion by cats or dogs causes vomiting, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, severe liver failure, and death. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and Zamia) as toxic; Encephalartos shares the same toxicology. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment. 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 eastern cape blue cycad.

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

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

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