Is it toxic to dogs?
Cyclamen
Cyclamen spp. · Primulaceae
Also called Sowbread, Persian cyclamen
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Moderate
Yes. Cyclamen is toxic to dogs. Drooling, vomiting and diarrhea are the usual result, but a large amount of the tubers can cause heart rhythm problems, seizures and death.
- Toxic parts
- Tubers (most toxic), Rest of the plant in smaller amounts
- Toxic compounds
- Terpenoid saponins
- Where you’ll find it
- House and garden
Signs of poisoning
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Heart rhythm abnormalities after large ingestions
- Seizures after large ingestions
- Death after large ingestions
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Cyclamen is a popular gift plant, with heart-shaped, silver-patterned leaves and swept-back flowers in pink, red, purple or white. Florist cyclamen are sold as houseplants in fall and winter, and hardier types grow in shady gardens.
The ASPCA lists cyclamen as toxic to dogs and names terpenoid saponins as the toxic principle. Merck Veterinary Manual says these are found mainly in the tuberous roots. The ASPCA ties the most serious effects, heart rhythm changes, seizures and death, to large ingestions of tubers.
Pet Poison Helpline says that when dogs eat cultivated or houseplant varieties, digestive upset is the usual result, and serious effects are possible but uncommon. Exposure usually happens when a dog chews leaves from a pot on a low table or digs up tubers in the garden.
If your dog ate cyclamen
Move the plant out of reach and check your dog's mouth for pieces. A bite of leaf or flower often causes drooling and vomiting, but call your vet if your dog ate any tuber or a large amount, or if signs persist. US owners can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply), and owners elsewhere can call their local emergency vet. Don't induce vomiting at home.
Seizures, collapse, a very slow or irregular pulse or repeated vomiting are emergencies. Bring the plant or a photo and mention any plant food or pesticide used.
Keeping your dog safe
Put potted cyclamen on a high shelf or in a room your dog can't enter. When you repot, the tubers come out of the soil, so do it while your dog is elsewhere and bag the scraps. In the garden, plant hardy cyclamen where your dog doesn't dig.
Teach a reliable "leave it" and provide chews so the plant isn't the most interesting thing around. African violets and Christmas cactus both add winter color and are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is cyclamen poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists cyclamen as toxic to dogs, with drooling, vomiting and diarrhea as common signs.
Which part of cyclamen is most toxic?
The tubers. The ASPCA ties the severe effects to large ingestions of tubers, and Merck Veterinary Manual says the saponins are concentrated in the tuberous roots.
Is a little bit dangerous?
A small amount of leaf or flower usually causes digestive upset. Large amounts, especially tubers, can cause serious problems, so call your vet if you aren't sure what your dog ate.
Is the florist cyclamen as toxic as the garden kind?
The ASPCA lists the whole genus as toxic to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says houseplant varieties usually cause only digestive upset.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy