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Pet safety

Is Quince toxic to dogs?

Cydonia oblonga

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What to do if your dog ate quince

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

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

Is quince toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is quince toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists 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. Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats quince?

Cydonia oblonga is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not authoritatively classified. As a member of the rose family (Maloideae), the seeds and leaves contain trace cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) that can release small amounts of cyanide if chewed in quantity. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe around 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 quince.

What should I do if my dog ate 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 quince toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to 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 quince pet-safety