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No, dogs cannot eat cherry pits. Cherry pits or seeds are highly toxic and dangerous for dogs. It is best to keep cherries away from your dog if you have them at home. Eating cherry pits can cause cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal.

Cherry Pits
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dangerous

Dangerous: This food is generally considered a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of dogs. Please contact your vet, a veterinary hospital or pet poison control if you suspect your dog has eaten this food recently.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cherry Pits?

Cherry pits contain cyanide which is highly harmful to dogs and causes cyanide poisoning. The interesting thing is that cherry fruit flesh is not toxic to dogs. It is the pit, stem, and leaves that can cause harm to your dog.

How Many Cherry Pits are Dangerous for Dogs?

Even a single cherry pit can be dangerous, especially if you have a small dog. Cyanide reacts quickly, which is why it is best to keep your dog away.

TIP: It is best to avoid giving your dog a cherry. If you occasionally offer the flesh, your dog might accidentally mistake a whole cherry as safe and c accidentally. Instead, offer other fruits that are safe for your dog.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cherry Pit?

If you have seen your dog consume a cherry pit, immediately contact the vet. If they are unavailable due to odd hours, contact the pet ER.

If you have cherries in your house and you suspect your dog has consumed a cherry pit, monitor their behavior and closely monitor symptoms. Remain in contact with your vet so they can guide you about the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If your dog ate a cherry pit and hasn’t displayed any symptoms, it might have passed through their digestive system without causing any harm. It can take up to 48 to 72 hours for your dog to expel it from their body. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your dog and immediately take them to the vet if they display any symptoms.

  • If a dog swallows a cherry pit, they will experience vomiting, reduced appetite, constipation, dilated pupils, and troubled breathing. It is important to know about symptoms so that you can help your dog.

  • Cyanide poisoning symptoms can appear in a second. This is why it is important to keep an eye on your dog if there are cherries nearby.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.