Is cyclamen poisonous to dogs?

Updated 09/08/2023

Cyclamen (also known as Persian violets) are delicate perennials in all the shades of pink and purple (and white…), so it’s easy to see why they’re so popular in back gardens and wintertime flower shops across the globe. But with many of us having a furry family at home, it’s important to know which plants are safe for dogs, and which are better to avoid altogether. So with that in mind - is cyclamen poisonous to dogs? Let’s take a look.

Is cyclamen poisonous to dogs?

Are cyclamens poisonous to dogs or are they a safe bloom for your winter bouquets? Sadly, cyclamen plants are seriously toxic to dogs. So, if you’re thinking about bringing home a bunch, be sure to keep it well out of the way of your pooch’s reach. And if you’re growing cyclamen plants in your garden, think again if you’ve got a particularly curious pup at home, who’s prone to digging up your shrubs and even taking a nibble.

So why are cyclamen plants so toxic to dogs? Well they contain terpenoid saponins which are found in all parts of the plant, but most heavily concentrated in the tuber and roots (which, if your pooch is prone to digging, may be dug up and eaten by them!). The saponins are seriously irritating when chewed or eaten and they absorb into the bloodstream extremely quickly, causing all kinds of nasty signs and symptoms. Take a look below for a debrief on the signs and symptoms your pup might experience if they’ve ingested part of a cyclamen plant.

Cyclamen poisoning in dogs

Now we’ve established that cyclamen is toxic to dogs, what are the signs pet parents and sitters should be looking out for? And are there any treatments available to treat your ultra-curious pup? We’ll explore all of that below, but first, know that if you think your pooch has taken so much as a nibble from your cyclamen plant, you should get to a veterinarian as a matter of emergency.

Symptoms

Cyclamen plants are poisonous to dogs, causing many nasty (yet avoidable) signs and symptoms. Before we explore those below, know that you should get to a veterinarian if your pup has ingested part of a cyclamen, even if there aren’t any signs or symptoms yet. Signs and symptoms of poisoning can develop immediately after ingestion (if a large amount has been eaten) or several hours later. It can be easier for a vet to treat a dog for cyclamen ingestion if clinical signs and symptoms have not yet appeared.

The degree of cyclamen poisoning may vary from mild to life-threatening and even fatal. Signs and symptoms include:

• Drooling
• Collapse
• Diarrhea (potentially with blood)
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Listlessness
• Blood in urine
• Loss of appetite
• Heart rhythm abnormalities
• Paralysis
• Seizures

As some of these signs (e.g. collapse, paralysis, seizures) can turn fatal rapidly, it’s important to seek vet attention straightaway.

Diagnosis

As we’ve said, it’s vital you get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible if your pooch has taken a bite from a cyclamen plant - even if there are no signs or symptoms present.. To help with diagnosis, take a sample of the plant with you in a sealed container or take a photo if a sample isn’t available. And if you can, try to note the time that your pup ingested the plant and the amount eaten - this will help your veterinarian know the severity of the toxicity. Below are some of the ways that your vet will diagnose cyclamen poisoning:

• Physical examination to assess your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, lung sounds, heart rate and reflexes.
• Blood tests
• Imaging (e.g. X-rays) to check if large amounts of ingested cyclamen plants have caused a gut blockage
• An ECG to assess heart rhythm

If your pup is seriously dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea, they may be given IV fluids before diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

• IV fluids for rehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Oxygen therapy if any respiratory issues are present
• Decontamination therapy to reduce toxin absorption
• Supportive therapy (e.g. medication for seizures and abnormal heart rhythm) 

As each case is different, the vet’s treatment plan may vary based on each dog’s situation. Therefore, the treatment outlined above is only a general guideline. This also means that you should consult your vet before attempting any treatments at home!

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at
Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!

Other plants that are poisonous for dogs

Many of the plants popular for bouquets and planting in gardens across the globe are sadly poisonous to dogs. Make sure you’re not putting your curious pup in any extra danger by learning about the plants poisonous to dogs, starting with the list below.

• Nightshade
• Umbrella plants
• Horse chestnuts
• Delphiniums