Is Dragon Fruit Cactus toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dragon fruit cactus 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. Selenicereus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and true cacti are not generally classed as systemically poisonous; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is edible for people. The main pet hazard is mechanical — spines and bristly stem injury to mouth and paws — rather than a toxic principle.

Selenicereus is not individually listed by the ASPCA, and true cacti are not generally classed as systemically poisonous; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The ripe fruit is edible for people. The main pet hazard is mechanical — spines and bristly stem injury to mouth and paws — rather than a toxic principle. 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 dragon fruit cactus.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dragon Fruit Cactus is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full dragon fruit cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

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.