Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Sacahuista toxic to dogs?

Nolina microcarpa

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sacahuista as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Nolina microcarpa is not individually listed by ASPCA for dogs or cats, and no curcin or calcium-oxalate toxins are reported in the genus. However, the foliage is documented to cause liver damage and rumen impaction in sheep and goats, and seeds caused neurological symptoms in rats and birds in toxicological studies. Keep away from grazing animals; treat as mildly toxic by caution until ASPCA formally evaluates the species.

What to do if your dog ate sacahuista

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

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

Is sacahuista toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sacahuista toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sacahuista as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Nolina microcarpa is not individually listed by ASPCA for dogs or cats, and no curcin or calcium-oxalate toxins are reported in the genus. However, the foliage is documented to cause liver damage and rumen impaction in sheep and goats, and seeds caused neurological symptoms in rats and birds in toxicological studies. Keep away from grazing animals; treat as mildly toxic by caution until ASPCA formally evaluates the species.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sacahuista?

Nolina microcarpa is not individually listed by ASPCA for dogs or cats, and no curcin or calcium-oxalate toxins are reported in the genus. However, the foliage is documented to cause liver damage and rumen impaction in sheep and goats, and seeds caused neurological symptoms in rats and birds in toxicological studies. Keep away from grazing animals; treat as mildly toxic by caution until ASPCA formally evaluates the species. 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 sacahuista.

What should I do if my dog ate sacahuista?

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 sacahuista toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sacahuista is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full sacahuista pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to sacahuista?

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 sacahuista pet-safety