If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).
Why
Cyclamen contains saponins that irritate the mouth and digestive tract. The highest concentration is in the tuber, the round root under the soil.
Chewing leaves or flowers usually causes drooling and stomach upset. Eating a large amount of tuber can cause heart rhythm problems and seizures.
How to recognize it
Heart-shaped leaves, often with silver markings, and upswept, twisted petals in pink, red, purple or white rise from a round, flattened tuber at the soil surface. It is a very popular winter-flowering pot plant.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm or seizures after eating the tuber
What to do
- Contact your veterinarian, particularly if your pet dug up and ate the tuber.
- Place potted cyclamen out of reach, and do not let dogs dig in its pot.
Pet-safe alternatives
Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Related plants
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.