[Wylie's Mom]

Tragically, some of our members lost their beloved yorkies due to them ingesting parts of the Sago Palm. We understand that the whole plant is toxic, however, it seems many dogs are poisoned due to picking up and ingesting / chewing the seeds.

The Sago palm is grown in temperate and tropical conditions; it is very common throughout the S/SW/W United States. Some people may have them as indoor plants, though this is less common.

From Wikipedia:

Cycad sago palm is extremely poisonous to animals (including humans) if ingested. Pets are at particular risk, since they seem to find the plant very palatable. Clinical symptoms of ingestion will develop within 12 hours, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and liver failure or hepatotoxicity characterized by icterus, cirrhosis, and ascites. The pet may appear bruised, have nose bleeds (epistaxis), melena (blood in the stool), hematochezia (bloody straining), and hemarthrosis (blood in the joints). The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center estimates a fatality rate of 50 to 75% when ingestion of the sago palm is involved. The incidence of ingestion by pets has risen by over 200% in the last five years. If any quantity of the plant is ingested, a poison control center or doctor should be contacted immediately. Effects of ingestion can include permanent internal damage and death.

All parts of the plant are toxic; however, the seeds contain the highest level of the toxin cycasin. Cycasin causes gastrointestinal irritation, and in high enough doses, leads to liver failure. Other toxins include Beta-methylamino L-alanine, a neurotoxic amino acid, and an unidentified toxin which has been observed to cause hindlimb paralysis in cattle.


I'm attaching several different pictures since the stages of the plant and its seeds can appear different throughout growth periods.