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Pet safety

Is Durian toxic to dogs?

Durio zibethinus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists durian 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. 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.

What to do if your dog ate durian

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move durian out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of durian to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten durian, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is durian toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is durian toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists durian 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. 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.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats durian?

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. 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 durian.

What should I do if my dog ate durian?

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 durian toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Durian is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full durian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to durian?

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 durian pet-safety