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Is Luffa Gourd toxic to dogs?

Luffa cylindrica

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists luffa gourd 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. Luffa cylindrica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Unripe fruit and seeds contain saponins and cucurbitacins that can cause significant gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats; mature and young edible-stage fruits are lower in cucurbitacins. Prevent pets from chewing on vines or fruit.

What to do if your dog ate luffa gourd

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move luffa gourd 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 luffa gourd to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is luffa gourd toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is luffa gourd toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists luffa gourd 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. Luffa cylindrica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Unripe fruit and seeds contain saponins and cucurbitacins that can cause significant gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats; mature and young edible-stage fruits are lower in cucurbitacins. Prevent pets from chewing on vines or fruit.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats luffa gourd?

Luffa cylindrica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Unripe fruit and seeds contain saponins and cucurbitacins that can cause significant gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats; mature and young edible-stage fruits are lower in cucurbitacins. Prevent pets from chewing on vines or fruit. 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 luffa gourd.

What should I do if my dog ate luffa gourd?

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 luffa gourd toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to luffa gourd?

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 luffa gourd pet-safety