Pet safety
Is Chinese quince toxic to dogs?
Chaenomeles cathayensis
Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese quince as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets.
What to do if your dog ate chinese quince
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move chinese quince out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of chinese quince to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten chinese quince, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is chinese quince toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is chinese quince toxic to dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese quince as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats chinese quince?
Like all Chaenomeles, raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed. The large, fragrant fruit pulp is edible when cooked (cooking destroys the glycosides). ASPCA does not individually list Chaenomeles cathayensis; advise caution with pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to chinese quince.
What should I do if my dog ate chinese quince?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is chinese quince toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese quince is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full chinese quince pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to chinese quince?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Full chinese quince pet-safety
- Is chinese quince toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is chinese quince toxic to cats?
- My dog ate chinese quince — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete chinese quince care guide