Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K.

Cherry Poisoning in Dogs - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K.

Cherry Poisoning in Dogs - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Cherry Poisoning?

Cherry trees are used as ornamental trees or as trees to help break the wind. They are members of the Prunus species, which include the chokecherry, peach, apricot, and the cherry laurel. The toxins of the cherry tree are not found within the actual fruit, but in the leaves and the seeds. Not only do the leaves and seeds of the cherry contain cyanide, a deadly agent, the seeds can cause obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Cyanide is a chemical that can prove deadly if ingested. Cyanide can be found in the forms of gas and salt crystals, and both forms are highly toxic. Cyanide is not only found in the seeds of specific fruit, but also in materials that are man-made. Cyanide is a known agent in cigarette smoke, extermination products, and plastic that is burning.

Cherry poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs eat various types of cherries’ leaves and seeds. Cherry seeds contain the chemical cyanide that is highly toxic to dogs.

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Cherry Poisoning Average Cost

From 45 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000

Average Cost

$250

Symptoms of Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

Unfortunately, dogs that ingest cherry seeds may collapse and die from the time period of minutes to hours. Signs of cherry poisoning include:

  • Bright red mucous membranes
  • Hyperventilation
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Convulsions
  • Tremors
  • Collapse
  • Death

Types

Cyanide poisoning can occur not only from ingesting cherries seeds, but also other natural foods. Types of other natural foods that contain this toxic substance are:

  • Fruits with pits (cherries, almonds, peaches)
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Elderberry
  • Various forms of grass
  • Clover
  • Legumes (vetches)
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Causes of Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

The main cause of cherry poisoning in dogs is from the ingestion of the cyanide-containing seeds of the cherry. The hydrogen cyanide produced by the cherry tree is a natural deterrent to protect itself. Causes can include:

  • Natural production of the hydrogen cyanide to protect against herbivores
  • The storage of the cyanide by the tree in an inactive form, waiting to be activated by predator
  • When a leaf is chewed upon by the dog, cyanogenic glycoside immediately combines with an enzyme to activate it, causing the poisonous agent to form
  • Once ingested, cells are not able to use oxygen to convert food to energy, thus causing a form of asphyxiation
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Diagnosis of Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

Since cyanide poisoning can be lethal, it is important to get to the veterinarian or emergency veterinarian very quickly. If you know that your dog has consumed cherries it is vital to tell the veterinarian approximately how many were ingested and how much time has passed since he consumed them. The veterinarian may do a urinalysis, blood work, along with a complete examination. Treatment may need to be started immediately, as in large amounts, this toxin can be fatal. 

If your dog is having severe clinical signs of cyanide poisoning, namely tremors, hyperventilation, convulsions, difficulty breathing, or mucus membranes that are bright red, the veterinarian will need to assess the situation and begin treatment. Diagnostic specimens of the fluid of the stomach can be analyzed for HCN. 

While the veterinarian is running tests, he may give an antidote along with oxygen therapy. Successful antidote may include sodium thiosulfate or sodium nitrate.

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Treatment of Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

Since the bonding of the chemical compound of cyanide must be stopped as soon as possible, treatment will be the top priority at this point. The induction of Fe3 into the dog’s hemoglobin, in addition to IV fluids with nitrates along with amyl nitrates that are inhaled will be a good start towards recovery. 

Inhalation of Nitrates

Amyl nitrate and sodium nitrate are effective antidotes of cyanide poisoning. Many times this is one of the first actions the veterinarian takes when a dog is brought in after ingesting cherries or other toxic fruit seeds. 

Detoxification

Thiocyanate and rhodanese aid in detoxifying dogs that have been poisoned. Either one of these methods of detoxification are given through IV fluids, but are not readily available with most veterinarians.  

Sodium Thiosulfate 

Sodium thiosulfate may be given to the dog orally. Sodium thiosulfate helps halt any more production of cyanide in the dog. Sodium thiosulfate is effective in assisting the cells to convert the cyanide into a specific type that can help the body remove it by way of urination. 

Other Antidotes

There are other antidotes that the veterinarian may use to detoxify cyanide. Antidotes are currently being researched for effectiveness and safety.

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Worried about the cost of Cherry Poisoning treatment?

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Recovery of Cherry Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has consumed a large number of cherry seeds and does not have time to get to the veterinarian, the prognosis may be poor. If your dog is able to receive medical attention in time, the treatment methods can be quite effective. It is important to always keep a watchful eye over your dog, especially if he goes outdoors in the midst of cherry trees (or other specific fruit trees).

Once your dog is home from treatment, the veterinarian will provide you with the information you need to take care of your dog effectively. In terms of medications, the medical professional will communicate with you the importance of sticking to a schedule and giving the correct dose. When you are home, it is important to keep an eye on your loved one for any behavioral changes for new symptoms need to be addressed with the physician as soon as possible.

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Cherry Poisoning Average Cost

From 45 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000

Average Cost

$250

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Cherry Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Alfie

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terrier

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6 Years

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1 found helpful

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1 found helpful

Has Symptoms

None Yet

We left the house to go to the doctor. upon arriving home we saw that the bowl of cherry pits that were in a bowl were gone. We think the dog ate them. He doesn's show any signs and this happened within the last 2 hours (give or take) I read where they are poisonous. I called our vet and they said to just watch for any GI signs. Should I take him to the vet? He weighs around 17 pounds and we think ate around 12 to 15 cherry pits.

Aug. 8, 2018

Alfie's Owner

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recommendation-ribbon

1 Recommendations

It is difficult to judge the toxicity of cherry pits since each pit can vary in toxicity widely between cherries; also the pits would need to have been chewed up as well. If your Veterinarian has advised you to wait and monitor for symptoms you should follow their instructions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/cherry/

Aug. 9, 2018

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Willow

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Mini Australian Shepterrier

dog-age-icon

8 Months

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1 found helpful

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1 found helpful

Has Symptoms

Extremely Attention Seeking
Tired (But It’S Also Late At Night)

My dog Willow (20lbs Mini Aussie) I believe may have injested 10+ cherry pits anywhere from 5-8 hours ago. I didn’t see her eat them but I just found a bowl of them that was knocked over and no cherry pits to be found. She seems fine but I’m concerned now that I’ve read they’re dangerous to dogs. I don’t know if she chewed them or not. It’s 10pm on Saturday and I don’t know if I need to call her vet for this or not since it’s a weekend. Please help me

July 22, 2018

Willow's Owner


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Dr. Michele K. DVM

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1 Recommendations

That many cherry pits may cause problems for WIllow, and she is not a very big dog. It is most likely too late to induce vomiting, but it would be a good idea to have her seen by your veterinarian to get charcoal treatment and have her mucous membrane color and vital signs assessed.

July 22, 2018

I took her out about 5 hours after this post and counted at least 15 (whole, none chewed) cherry pits in about 2 pieces of her stool. Followed by 2 small, but normal pieces of stool. It has been over 24 hours since she injested them and her vitals have been constant and normal, and her mucous membranes remain pink and not bright red. Thank you for your response, we will probably still get her checked on the soonest weekday.

July 23, 2018

Willow's Owner

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Cherry Poisoning Average Cost

From 45 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000

Average Cost

$250

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