Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Pits and Stems Are the Problem

Pet Poison Helpline explains that cherry plants contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide. The page says all parts other than the ripe pulp around the seeds are toxic, including leaves and stems. The main worry is the pit: chewing and crushing a pit can release cyanide, while a pit swallowed whole is not expected to poison a dog. Wild cherries generally have more cyanide in their pits than store-bought ones.

Signs of cyanide poisoning include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, shock, and death. Whole pits can also cause stomach upset or a blockage, depending on the dog's size and how many were swallowed. These are emergencies.

Remove any remaining fruit, note how many pits or how much of the plant your dog ate, and call. If your dog may have eaten something harmful, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 straight away. A consultation fee may apply, and it is far cheaper than waiting.

It is easier to offer a safer fruit, such as a few blueberries or a slice of apple with no seeds. If you do share cherry flesh, it must be pitted, stem-free, and a very small amount, but there is little reason to. Avoid maraschino cherries, which are high in sugar. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

Maraschino cherries are packed in sugar syrup, and cherry pie, jam, and juice add sugar and sometimes alcohol or xylitol. Cherry-flavoured medicines or sweets may also contain xylitol. Check labels carefully and keep these foods away from your dog.

Pet Poison Helpline notes that wild cherries generally have more cyanide in their pits than store-bought ones. If you have a cherry tree or walk where wild cherry trees grow, keep your dog from chewing branches, leaves or fallen fruit.

If your dog ate a lot of pits, stems or leaves, the vet may advise bringing your dog in, giving supportive treatment, or monitoring closely. A single swallowed pit often passes, but this depends on your dog's size and how many were eaten. Do not guess: call a vet or a poison helpline so they can assess the amount and your dog's size.

For most dogs, the safest quantity of cherries is none. If you want to share, only pitted, stem-free ripe flesh is considered non-toxic, and a small piece is enough. Toy dogs are at the highest risk from whole pits because of blockage.

Count how many pits your dog could have swallowed if you are unsure.

Common mistakes include giving cherries with pits, leaving a bowl on a low table, and letting dogs chew on cherry branches during pruning. Another is using cherry-flavoured medicine or sweets without checking labels.

If you pick cherries, clear the pits promptly and keep the bin closed.

Puppies and small dogs are more at risk from blockage. Senior dogs and dogs with digestive problems should avoid unusual fruit. Dogs with diabetes should avoid sugary fruit unless their vet agrees.

If your dog ate pits and is small, call your vet right away.

If you have a cherry tree, or a neighbour does, be aware of the risks. Pet Poison Helpline explains that all parts of cherry plants other than the ripe pulp around the seeds are toxic, and that wild cherries generally have more cyanide in their pits. Fallen fruit, pits, leaves and twigs can all tempt a curious dog.

Rake up windfalls, remove pits promptly, and do not let dogs chew pruned branches. If you take walks where wild cherry trees grow, use a lead and teach a reliable leave it cue. If your dog eats cherry pits, leaves or stems, call your vet or a poison helpline.