Is Queen Sago toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is Queen Sago for pets?
SEVERE Plant Doctor's data flags Queen Sago as one of its most serious plants for pets. Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.
SEVERE: like all Cycas and Zamia species (including Sago Palm), contains cycasin and causes vomiting, liver failure and death; even one or two seeds can be fatal. In published case series of poisoned dogs, roughly a third to two-thirds of affected dogs died despite treatment. Treat any ingestion as an emergency vet visit.
Cycas circinalis
Also called: False Sago Palm and Fern Palm.
What makes it toxic
- Cycasin
- B-methylamino-l-alanine
- An unidentified neurotoxin (listed for cattle)
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting (may be bloody)
- Dark stools
- Jaundice
- Increased thirst
- Bloody diarrhea
- Bruising
- Liver failure
- Death
- ASPCA notes that 1 to 2 seeds can be fatal
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about Queen Sago
Is Queen Sago toxic to cats?
Yes, Queen Sago is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Queen Sago toxic to dogs?
Yes, Queen Sago is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is Queen Sago also called?
Queen Sago (Cycas circinalis) is also called False Sago Palm and Fern Palm.
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Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (lists the genus as toxic); Pet Poison Helpline: Sago Palm; PetMD: Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs; dvm360 Toxicology Brief: Cycad toxicosis in dogs; Frontiers in Veterinary Science case report (PMC7456943)
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