What if Your Dog Eats Cyclamen?

Cyclamen are flowering plants, commonly used both as houseplants and as border plantings in warmer climates. While these perennials are attractive and are popular holiday plants, they should be kept well out of your dog's reach. Ingesting any part of this plant may make your dog uncomfortable. It is the roots, however, that can cause your dog to experience severe gastrointestinal problems or even death.

  1. Cyclamen Toxins

    • Cyclamens, also known as sowbread, contain triterpinoid saponins. Saponins are named for the soapwort plant and have a unique foaming characteristic. In addition, triterpenoid saponins may have a licorice taste, which may make their flavor appealing to dogs. While saponins are not generally harmful to humans, they are toxic to other animals, affecting the gastrointestinal system. Cyclamens store this toxin in their tuberous roots.

    Symptoms of Cyclamen Poisoning

    • Signs and symptoms of cyclamen poisoning vary based on the amount of root fiber ingested. If only a small amount of tuber is ingested, the dog may salivate heavily, vomit or experience some diarrhea or a lack of desire to eat. When larger amounts of root fiber are ingested, the dog may experience an elevated amount of potassium in the blood, an irregular heartbeat, seizures or even death.

    Treating Cyclamen Poisoning

    • Call your vet immediately if your dog shows signs or symptoms that it has been poisoned by eating cyclamen tubers. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, treatment of cyclamen poisoning is "symptomatic," so your vet may be able to advise you on treating your pet at home. However, treatment by a veterinarian is absolutely required should your dog show signs and symptoms of severe saponin poisoning caused by cyclamen tuber ingestion -- it is not possible for you to treat an irregular heartbeat at home.

    Preventing Cyclamen Poisoning

    • Some varieties of cyclamen grow wild in certain areas of the country. Do not allow your dog to roam freely if you believe cyclamen grow in your area, in order to avoid accidental poisoning. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, "pets have greater access to these plants over winter months" because "both pets and plants are indoors," potentially increasing the risk of your dog being poisoned. Preventing accidental poisoning is simple: keep the plants out of reach of your dog while they both share inside space. Limit your dog's access to rooms in which cyclamen are kept and place your cyclamen plants in hanging baskets or raised planters that cannot be knocked over.