What Makes Cyclamen Toxic to Pets?

Cyclamens contain terpenoid saponins, which is the toxic component. All parts of the plant contain this, but the tubers (the part underground) has the largest amount and is the most toxic. Luckily, a large amount of the tuber (roots) needs to be ingested for serious symptoms to develop.

Clinical Symptoms of Cyclamen Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

• Drooling (hypersalivation)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Reduced Appetite
• Abnormal heartbeat – with large amounts of tuber ingestion
• Seizures – with large amounts of tuber ingestion
• Death – with large amounts of tuber ingestion

What do I do if my dog ate a cyclamen plant?

Luckily, dogs and cats rarely ingest the tubers and just chew on the leaves and flowers. This will typically cause mild stomach upset and mouth irritation that should resolve in under 24 hours.

You can rinse the mouth with water to reduce irritation. Remove food and water for a few hours to allow the GI tract to settle down. Then give small amounts of food and water over the course of the day. Resume normal meals the next day if your pet is doing better and is no longer vomiting.

**If you have a horse or a goat that ingested many of these plants, including the tubers (roots), call your vet since they are at risk for more severe issues and it may be fatal.

For more information and pictures of cyclamen, check out these links:

ASPCA: Cyclamen

Pet Poison Helpline

Read more in our series of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats:

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Azalea

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Lantana

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Lily of the Valley

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