Can Dogs Eat Plums? Health Risks & Safer Alternatives

Are Plums Safe for Dogs?

Plums might seem like a tasty treat for your dog, but they come with important health risks. Some parts of the plum, especially the pit, can be dangerous and even toxic to dogs.

Potential Risks of Feeding Plums

• The main risk of feeding plums to dogs is the pit. Plum pits contain cyanide compounds, which release poison if eaten or chewed. Cyanide poisoning can cause trouble breathing, shock, or even death in severe cases. Even small amounts can be unsafe for some dogs.
• Besides the pit, the stem and leaves of the plum also hold toxic chemicals. Dogs that eat the skin or flesh of a plum may still suffer from digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Plums are high in sugar, which can further upset your dog’s stomach or worsen conditions like obesity and diabetes.
• If your dog eats a plum, the hard pit can also cause choking or block the intestines. Blockages often require urgent veterinary treatment.

Signs of Toxicity in Dogs

A dog that has eaten a dangerous part of a plum, such as the pit, may show signs of cyanide poisoning within minutes or a few hours. Watch for unusual symptoms. Common signs include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Bright red gums
• Weakness or shaking
• Collapse or seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away. Quick treatment is needed to prevent serious health problems. Even small amounts of plum—the pit or other parts—can be a medical emergency in some cases. Always keep plums and their pits away from your dog’s reach to help prevent accidental poisoning.

Dangers of Plum Pits for Dogs

Plum pits are not safe for dogs and can cause serious health problems. If your dog eats a plum pit, there are two main risks: physical harm from blockage or choking, and chemical poisoning from substances inside the pit.

Choking and Intestinal Blockage

• Plum pits are large and hard, making them a choking hazard for dogs. Small dogs are especially at risk, but even a large dog can have trouble if the pit gets stuck in the throat. Signs of choking include gagging, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
• If swallowed, a plum pit can move to the stomach or intestines. The pit may cause a blockage, known as an intestinal blockage. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. A blocked intestine is a serious emergency for any dog and sometimes requires surgery to remove the pit.
• The risk of blockage is higher if your dog is small, but even large dogs can be affected. You should always call your vet if you think your dog has swallowed a plum pit.

Cyanide Poisoning from Plum Pits

• Inside every plum pit, there are substances called amygdalin and prunasin. When broken down, these chemicals release hydrogen cyanide. This makes the pit toxic to dogs if chewed or crushed.
• Cyanide poisoning can affect any size dog, but it’s most likely if your dog breaks the pit open and eats what’s inside. Symptoms include drooling, trouble breathing, bright red gums, and even seizures. Dogs do not need to eat many crushed pits to get sick.
• You should always keep plum pits out of your dog’s reach. Learn more about the risk of cyanide in plum pits and its effects on dogs before giving your dog any type of stone fruit.

Symptoms of Plum-Related Illness in Dogs

Plum-related illness in dogs can cause a range of symptoms, some mild and others more severe. Recognizing these signs early helps protect your dog’s health and prevents further complications.

Digestive Problems After Eating Plums

• The most common signs of plum-related illness are digestive issues. After eating plum flesh, your dog may have mild digestive upset because of the fruit’s high sugar content. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. These symptoms might show up within a few hours.
• If your dog has eaten a plum pit, the risk increases. Pit fragments can block the intestines and lead to serious gastrointestinal upset. Signs of this include vomiting that doesn’t stop, belly pain, weakness, and refusing food. If your dog keeps drooling or looks very uncomfortable, the pit may be causing trouble in their stomach.
• Some dogs are more sensitive, especially smaller breeds or dogs with certain health conditions. In rare cases, eating the pit may cause symptoms from cyanide poisoning, like tremors or difficulty breathing. Always pick up dropped fruit and keep plums out of your dog’s reach.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If you notice symptoms like repeated vomiting, ongoing diarrhea, or your dog seems weak or very tired, it’s best to call your veterinarian. Dogs that have eaten a plum pit are at higher risk for serious issues, so prompt care is important. Puppies and smaller dogs can get sick more quickly than adults.

Contact your vet right away if you see:

• Refusal to eat for more than a day
• Non-stop vomiting or dry heaving
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Trouble breathing or tremors
• Signs of severe pain like crying or not wanting to move

Early treatment can help your dog recover faster. In some cases, your veterinarian may need to take X-rays or provide treatment for poisoning or blockage. Don’t wait if you are worried, especially if your dog ate a plum pit.