Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Safe Feeding Guide & Warning Signs

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Dogs can eat some kinds of cherries, but you need to be careful. The fruit has both good nutrients and possible dangers because of its pit, stem, and variety.

Potential Health Risks

• Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which can harm your pet. Even small amounts can cause trouble, like breathing problems or bright red gums. Eating pits can also block your dog’s intestines, leading to vomiting, low appetite, and belly pain.
• Signs of cyanide poisoning include trouble breathing, drooling, and weakness, which need fast treatment by a vet. If your dog eats a whole cherry, including the pit, watch carefully for these health issues.
• Never give your dog cherries that have not had the pits, stems, and leaves removed. For more information on what to watch for, visit this guide on cherry risks for dogs.

Possible Benefits for Dogs

• The flesh of a cherry contains vitamins like vitamin C and A, along with fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients can support your dog’s immune system and help cell repair. Cherries also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help certain health conditions in pets.
• Giving a small amount of the fruit—without pits or stems—can be a rare treat. However, serving too many cherries may upset your dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea. Stick to a few pieces, and only give cherries in moderation, as a part of a healthy diet.

Significance of Cherry Varieties

• Different types of cherries may have different risks for dogs. Sweet cherries like Bing and Rainier are less acidic, while tart cherries have more antioxidants. Both still have dangerous pits and always need proper preparation.
• Cherries sold in cans or jars are often packed with sugar or added chemicals. These additives can be harmful to pet health and should always be avoided.
• Wild cherries can be even more dangerous due to higher cyanide content in their pits and leaves. It’s best to stick to fresh, sweet cherries with all pits and stems removed whenever you feed your dog cherries.

Risks of Cherry Consumption in Dogs

Cherries pose health risks to dogs due to harmful substances and the form in which they are eaten. Different parts of the cherry can be dangerous for reasons like toxic chemicals and physical blockages.

Cyanide Content in Cherry Pits

• The pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, a toxic substance that can harm your dog if eaten. When dogs chew or swallow cherry pits, the cyanide can be released in their digestive system.
• Even a small amount of cyanide can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, bright red gums, and dilated pupils. Higher doses can be much more serious. Cyanide poisoning may require fast vet attention to avoid severe issues.
• Cherry pits do not just contain cyanide when crushed or broken but can also be a risk if swallowed whole, especially by small dogs. Removing pits, stems, and leaves is critical for safety. Only the flesh of the cherry is safe for dogs, and even then should be given in small amounts.

Choking Risk and Obstructions

• Cherry pits are hard and slippery, making them a choking hazard for dogs. Dogs do not always chew food well, so a pit can easily become lodged in the throat.
• Blockages can occur if your dog swallows the pit, especially for smaller breeds. Signs of obstruction can include gagging, vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite. Surgery might be needed if a blockage develops in the stomach or intestines.
• Besides the immediate risk of choking, the hard surface of the pits can damage teeth or injure the mouth. Always keep cherries with pits, stems, and leaves away from your dog to avoid these dangers.

Recognizing Negative Reactions

Cherries can be harmful to dogs if eaten with pits, stems, or leaves, mainly due to a compound that can cause toxicity. It’s important to watch closely for changes in your dog’s behavior and health after they eat cherries.

Signs of Toxicity

Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Even a few whole cherries may cause problems, especially in smaller dogs.

Watch for these signs:

• Labored or rapid breathing
• Bright red gums
• Dilated pupils
• Sudden weakness
• Upset stomach: vomiting or diarrhea

Symptoms can appear within a few hours after eating cherries with pits or stems. Dogs may also drool more than usual or act restless. These are signs that your dog might be experiencing mild toxicity or digestive upset. Small dogs are more at risk and may have more noticeable symptoms after eating only a few cherries.

Symptoms Requiring Urgent Veterinary Care

Some symptoms mean you need to call your veterinarian or seek emergency help right away. Urgent symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or panting
• Seizures or tremors
• Unusually bright red gums
• Collapse or unresponsiveness

If a dog cannot keep food or water down, or starts showing any behaviors out of the ordinary, do not wait. These problems can get serious very quickly. Cyanide poisoning is rare, but it can be deadly without fast treatment. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see severe symptoms, or go straight to the closest animal emergency clinic. To learn more about what to do in these situations, review these urgent pet health symptoms.