Is it toxic to dogs?
Parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans · Arecaceae
Also called Neanthe bella palm, Good luck palm, Bamboo palm, Miniature fishtail palm
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists parlor palm as non-toxic to dogs. The palm to worry about is sago palm, which is not a true palm and is dangerous to dogs.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Parlor palm is a small, slow-growing palm that suits shady rooms. ASPCA lists Chamaedorea elegans as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD includes it in its list of plants safe for dogs. ASPCA also gives it the nickname "bamboo palm", a name that causes confusion with true bamboo and with the toxic lucky bamboo.
The mix-up that matters most is with sago palm. Sago palm (a cycad, not a true palm) has a feathery, palm-like look, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs. Its toxin, cycasin, can cause vomiting, black tarry stool, jaundice, bruising, liver failure and death.
If a palm lacks a clear label, treat it as unsafe until you have checked the Latin name. Parlor palm itself is considered a safe choice around dogs, though chewing any plant can cause mild stomach upset.
If your dog ate parlor palm
A chewed parlor palm frond is usually not an emergency. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic, though your dog may have a mild upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a large amount, or the plant was sprayed or fertilized. Call right away if the palm might be a sago palm, since that plant can cause liver failure and needs fast veterinary care. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not make your dog vomit at home. Bring the plant tag, or a photo of the plant, to the vet.
Keeping your dog safe
Place the palm on a stand or high table; at floor level, the fronds are within easy reach.
Keep any plant food, fertilizer and sprays locked away, and avoid treating plants within reach. Pet Poison Helpline notes that fertilizers can contain pesticides and other chemicals that raise the risk of poisoning.
When shopping, read the Latin name on the pot. If you want more safe palms, ASPCA also lists areca palm and ponytail palm as non-toxic to dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Is parlor palm toxic to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists parlor palm as non-toxic to dogs. Eating plant material can still cause a mild upset stomach.
Is bamboo palm the same as bamboo?
No. Bamboo palm is a nickname ASPCA lists for parlor palm. True bamboo is a grass, and lucky bamboo is actually a dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana) that Pet Poison Helpline lists as toxic to pets.
How do I tell parlor palm from sago palm?
Go by the Latin name on the label: Chamaedorea elegans is the parlor palm, while Cycas revoluta is the sago palm. If you cannot confirm which you have, keep it away from your dog and ask your vet.
Which palms are safe for dogs?
ASPCA lists parlor palm, areca palm and ponytail palm as non-toxic to dogs. It lists sago palm as toxic, so check every palm by name.
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