Wrong Houseplant?

James Cook University is warning dog owners that their pets may suffer severe poisoning if they eat the common household cycad plant.

This follows the recent death of a young dog from liver failure after eating the leaves and stem of a cycad, also known as sago palm.

Penny, an eight-month old dog, was brought to JCU's Veterinary Emergency Centre on Christmas Eve after a sudden onset of vomiting and lethargy. Nearly two weeks of intensive care could not save her and Penny died from severe liver failure.

Dr Philip Judge, Senior Lecturer in veterinary emergency and critical care at JCU, said all parts of the plant are considered extremely poisonous, and even eating as little as two seeds could be enough to kill a dog.

“The leaves are apparently quite nice-smelling to dogs, making accidental ingestion likely, with initial symptoms of poisoning usually being vomiting, dehydration and lethargy,” Dr Judge said.

“Using appropriate treatment the symptoms often subside within 24 to 48 hours or so – only to be replaced by the development of severe liver damage that could result in death within seven to 14 days.”

Dr Judge suggested the following precautions for pet owners:

If you see your dog eating a cycad plant, contact your veterinarian immediately for first aid advice.