Is Pond Apple toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists pond apple 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. Annona glabra seeds and bark contain annonaceous acetogenins — potent compounds with insecticidal and cytotoxic properties that are toxic in high doses to animals and humans. The ripe fruit flesh is traditionally eaten but the seeds must not be consumed. Not individually listed by ASPCA; however, given that the Annona genus broadly contains neurotoxic acetogenins shown to be toxic to dogs, keep all plant parts away from pets.

Annona glabra seeds and bark contain annonaceous acetogenins — potent compounds with insecticidal and cytotoxic properties that are toxic in high doses to animals and humans. The ripe fruit flesh is traditionally eaten but the seeds must not be consumed. Not individually listed by ASPCA; however, given that the Annona genus broadly contains neurotoxic acetogenins shown to be toxic to dogs, keep all plant parts away from 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 pond apple.

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: Pond Apple is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full pond apple 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.