Why it's dangerous
The plant contains irritating saponins that cause gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion and can lead to systemic cardiac issues and neurological impairment in large quantities.
Toxic compound: Saponins
How vets treat it
The Merck Veterinary Manual lists the treatment for cyclamen as symptomatic: the vet treats the signs as they appear. A 2023 review of houseplants toxic to pets describes the usual steps for plant poisoning. If your dog is seen early, the vet may first empty the stomach by making it vomit or by washing it out. This works best within the first hour, and making a pet vomit is unlikely to help once more than 2 hours have passed, because the plant has probably moved on to the intestine. Then come activated charcoal, fluids and medicines to protect the gut. Seizures are treated with anticonvulsants such as diazepam, and for heart signs the vet checks electrolytes, monitors the heart and may give atropine or medicines for abnormal rhythms.
Outlook
No survival figures for dogs were found. Pet Poison Helpline says cyclamen commonly causes digestive irritation, and that dangerous signs such as heart arrhythmias and seizures are uncommon. A 1987 article on cyclamen toxicity noted that the number of serious exposures is very low. Large ingestions of the tubers can still be fatal, according to the ASPCA, so don't wait to see how your dog does.
Where pets are exposed
- Florist's cyclamen (Persian cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum), which is mainly grown as a houseplant. It's a popular potted plant at Christmas and on Valentine's Day, and it flowers from early winter to spring, in white, pink, red or purple, above heart-shaped leaves marbled with silver.
- The tuber, the dark brown, round root the plant grows from. It usually holds the highest concentration of the toxin. Most people throw the plant away when it goes dormant in summer, so keep discarded plants and tubers out of your pet's reach.
- Garden and wild cyclamen, also called sowbread. The ASPCA lists all cyclamen species as toxic, and cyclamen also grow as woodland plants in Europe.
- Every part of the plant, but especially the tubers and roots. They contain saponins (terpenoid saponins such as cyclamine).
Prevention
- If your pet chews plants, keep cyclamen out of your home or somewhere your pet can't reach. Seasonal plants may be new to the household and often sit on tables, within easy reach.
- Take extra care at Christmas and around Valentine's Day, when potted cyclamen are popular.
- When the plant goes dormant in summer, or when you repot it, keep the tuber and the soil away from pets. The tuber is the most toxic part.
- Garden cyclamen grow from tubers too. Keep pets from digging them up, and store spare tubers out of reach.
Good to know
The tubers and roots are the most toxic parts of the plant.
Common questions
Is cyclamen toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists cyclamen as toxic to cats. Its terpenoid saponins cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and large ingestions of the tubers can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and death. No toxic dose for cats has been published, so treat any chewing as urgent and call your vet.
Is cyclamen poisonous to dogs?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline says cyclamen commonly causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and that heart arrhythmias and seizures are possible with large ingestions but uncommon. The ASPCA says large ingestions of the tubers can be fatal. Call your vet or a pet poison line right away if your dog chews one, and say whether it got to the tuber.
Which part of a cyclamen is the most poisonous?
The tuber and roots. An ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list says the toxin cyclamine is typically most concentrated in the root, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says the saponins in the tubers irritate the gut, which increases how much is absorbed. A 2023 review adds that cyclamine, one of the tuber's saponins, is well absorbed from the gut, unlike most saponins, and can destroy red blood cells. Any part of the plant can still poison a dog or cat.
My pet only chewed a cyclamen leaf. Is that dangerous?
It can still make your pet sick. Chewing any part of the plant can poison dogs and cats, and the usual result is drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. The most dangerous signs, such as heart rhythm problems and seizures, mostly follow large ingestions, especially of the tubers. No source gives a safe amount, so call your vet or a pet poison line.
Are garden cyclamen and sowbread toxic too?
Yes. The ASPCA's entry covers all cyclamen species, including sowbread, and Pet Poison Helpline's covers cultivated and houseplant cyclamen. Cyclamen also grow wild in European woodland. Treat a pet that chews or digs up a garden cyclamen the same way as one that chews a houseplant, and call your vet.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Cyclamen
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (published by Veterinary Partner) — Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats (revised 2018)
- Pet Poison Helpline — Cyclamen
- Pet Poison Helpline — Top Poisonous Plants to Pets
- NC State Extension — Cyclamen persicum (Persian cyclamen)
- Toxins — Toxicity of House Plants to Pet Animals (2023)
- Veterinary and Human Toxicology — Toxicity of Cyclamen persicum (1987)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
