No, squash plants are non-toxic to dogs.
Squash plants belong to the Cucurbita genus, which all fall under the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family. Most of its species bear fruits and flowers, and have herbaceous vines and tendrils. Widely cultivated because of its edible produce, the squash is a great source of nutrients. It is typically added in meals as a vegetable.
Dogs can actually eat squash as long as it is prepared and cooked properly. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the plant itself does not contain harmful compounds toxic to dogs. Acorn squash and butternut squash are two examples that can be grown around dogs. However, your dog should not play with or eat the raw fruit due to its tough exterior.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats squash plants: Your dog should not experience anything alarming after coming into contact with a squash plant. However, if it was sprayed with toxic chemicals, immediately remove remnants of the squash plant from your dog’s mouth, skin, and paws.
Observe him over the next 24 hours, watching for symptoms of poisoning. Examples include dry skin, little bumps, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, pale gums, nausea, tremors, and convulsions. He may also experience agitation, unsteadiness on feet, abnormal heart rate, and difficulty in breathing. Get in touch with your veterinarian to report all your observations.
In summary: Whether it’s the winter or summer variety, squash is a produce and plant that can be grown around dogs, cats, and even horses. As always, play it safe by getting the go signal from your vet before growing something new. Also, check out these lists by ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline to help you determine which ones are toxic for dogs.
References:
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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