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Pet safety

Is Natal Cycad toxic to dogs?

Encephalartos natalensis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — natal 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. They contain cycasin and macrozamin, potent cycad glycosides causing liver failure and neurological damage. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and related genera) as severely toxic to dogs and cats — ingestion, particularly of seeds, can be fatal. Keep all parts strictly away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate natal cycad

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

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

Is natal cycad toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is natal cycad toxic to dogs?

Yes — natal 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. They contain cycasin and macrozamin, potent cycad glycosides causing liver failure and neurological damage. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and related genera) as severely toxic to dogs and cats — ingestion, particularly of seeds, can be fatal. Keep all parts strictly away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats natal cycad?

All Encephalartos species are severely toxic. They contain cycasin and macrozamin, potent cycad glycosides causing liver failure and neurological damage. The ASPCA lists cycads (Cycas and related genera) as severely toxic to dogs and cats — ingestion, particularly of seeds, can be fatal. Keep all parts strictly away from pets and children. 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 natal cycad.

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

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

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