Is Cyclamen Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Cyclamen spp
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Saponins, concentrated in the tuber/root |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | indoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm and seizures if root eaten
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm and seizures if root eaten
Advertisement
What to do
Mild if only leaves/flowers eaten; contact a vet promptly if the tuber (root) was dug up and eaten, since that part is far more concentrated.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Cyclamen is saponins, concentrated in the tuber/root.
Part-specific risk: Leaves and flowers are much less toxic than the tuber.
What makes this plant different
Cyclamen sold as a houseplant is typically grown from a tuber that's usually buried in the pot and inaccessible to pets — the practical risk is almost entirely about pets that dig into the soil, since leaf and flower contact alone rarely causes more than mild GI upset.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Cyclamen spp
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Also known as
- Cyclamen, Sowbread
- Typically found
- indoor
Advertisement
Related plants
Primrose
Primula vulgaris
Alocasia
Alocasia spp.
Aloe
Aloe vera
Amaryllis
Amaryllis spp.
Ambrosia Mexicana
Chenopodium botrys
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control