Pet emergency
My dog ate Durian — what to do
Step by step
- Take durian away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate durian — FAQ
Is durian poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Durian (Durio zibethinus) as mildly toxic to dogs. Durio zibethinus is not individually listed by the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe flesh is eaten by people, but it is very rich in fat (risk of GI upset or pancreatitis in dogs) and the seeds, stems and leaves contain compounds that can be harmful; the heavy spiny husk is also a physical injury hazard. Keep pets away from seeds, husk and foliage.
How serious is it if my dog ate durian?
Durian is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Durio zibethinus is not individually listed by the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe flesh is eaten by people, but it is very rich in fat (risk of GI upset or pancreatitis in dogs) and the seeds, stems and leaves contain compounds that can be harmful; the heavy spiny husk is also a physical injury hazard. Keep pets away from seeds, husk and foliage. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep durian well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is durian toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Durian and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide