Sowbread Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 2,600 found this helpful

Cyclamen spp

Cyclamen is confirmed toxic to cats and dogs, while its toxicity to horses remains unknown.

Terpenoid saponins are the primary toxic compounds in cyclamen, with highest concentrations in the tubers.

Large ingestion of cyclamen tubers can trigger life-threatening effects including heart arrhythmias, seizures and death.

FAQ

Is Sowbread toxic to Humans?

No specific human clinical data available; expected to cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested. (Low)

Is Sowbread toxic to Cats?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death may occur following large ingestion of tubers. (High)

Is Sowbread toxic to Dogs?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death may occur following large ingestion of tubers. (High)

Is Sowbread toxic to Horses?

Toxicity risk unconfirmed; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if accidental ingestion occurs. (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific human clinical data available; expected to cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested.

Cats

High

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death may occur following large ingestion of tubers.

Dogs

High

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea; heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, death may occur following large ingestion of tubers.

Horses

Unknown

Toxicity risk unconfirmed; monitor for gastrointestinal distress if accidental ingestion occurs.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts are toxic, with the highest concentration of toxic compounds present in the underground tubers.

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; mild skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals upon prolonged contact.

Toxic CompoundsTerpenoid saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining cyclamen plant material from the mouth of the exposed person or animal immediately.
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to reduce mucosal irritation from residual toxic compounds.
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a healthcare provider or veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your cat or dog has ingested any amount of cyclamen plant material.
• If the exposed individual displays symptoms including excessive salivation, persistent vomiting, diarrhea or abnormal heart rate.
• If consumption of large quantities of cyclamen tubers is confirmed.

Prevention

• Keep potted cyclamen and garden plantings out of reach of cats, dogs and small children.
• Clearly label cyclamen plants in shared spaces to alert caregivers of their toxicity risk.
• Promptly dispose of fallen cyclamen leaves, flowers and uprooted tubers to avoid accidental ingestion.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer supportive care including fluid therapy to correct dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
• Provide antiarrhythmic medications if heart rhythm abnormalities develop post-ingestion.
• Administer seizure control medications if neurological symptoms occur, and monitor vital signs closely.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCyclamen spp

AliasesCyclamen

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeartCentral nervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Terpenoid saponins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosal membrane upon ingestion, and when absorbed in large amounts disrupt cardiac and central nervous system function.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Toxicity expected, similar to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects with large doses.

Caged birds: Toxicity not formally documented; avoid exposure due to potential gastrointestinal and systemic risks from terpenoid saponin content.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

African Violet Saintpaulia ionantha

Visually similar due to fuzzy rounded leaves and colorful compact blooms; African violets are non-toxic to pets, while cyclamen has distinct backward-curving petals and toxic properties.

Persian Violet Exacum affine

Has similar small bright blooms and compact growth habit; Persian violets lack cyclamen's characteristic heart-shaped leaves and are non-toxic to most companion animals.

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Related Toxic Plants

Scarlet Pimpernel

Anagallis arvensis

Moderate toxicity; causes gastrointestinal irritation and neurological symptoms in pets if ingested.

Common Primrose

Primula vulgaris

Low toxicity; may cause mild skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset upon consumption.

Yellow Loosestrife

Lysimachia vulgaris

Low to moderate toxicity; contains saponins that trigger digestive distress in pets when ingested.

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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