Sago palm toxicity used to be a concern limited to dogs and cats exposed to these plants outside in warmer climates. With smaller and ornamental sago palms now being sold as houseplants by national retailers and local garden centers in the Twin Cities, this highly toxic tropical plant is now a concern in for Minnesota pets as well. All parts of the sago palm plant are toxic with the seeds or nuts being the most toxic. Ingestion of sago palm parts can cause gastrointestinal irritation and liver failure, with an estimated 50% fatality rate. If you think your dog or cat has eaten parts of a sago palm plant, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible as prompt treatment increases the chance of surviving exposure to the deadly sago palm toxin. Since pets seem to be drawn to sago palms, it is best not to bring them into a house with cats or dogs.