Read time: 2 mins
18 Jun 2024
No, dogs should not eat cherries.
While cherries might seem like a healthy treat to share with your pooch, it's impawtant to know that they're actually a big no-no for dogs.
The flesh of the cherry is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, due to the incredibly poisonous pit, stems and leaves, it is recommended that you avoid feeding your dog cherries all together.
No, dogs should not eat glacé cherries.
Glacé cherries are typically soaked in a sugary syrup during the candying process to enhance their flavour and preserve their vibrant colour. This syrup adds an extra dose of sweetness to the cherries, making them even more tempting to our taste buds.
However, when it comes to dogs, too much sugar can lead to a host of health issues, including obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes.
Cherries can indeed be bad for our pooches. While they might be a tasty treat for us, they pose several risks to dogs:
The pits and stems in cherries contain cyanide, a toxic substance that can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Even a small amount of cyanide can cause serious health issues for dogs, including difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and, in severe cases, death.
Even if your dog manages to avoid the pits, the flesh of cherries can still cause digestive issues such as stomach upset, diarrhoea, and vomiting. This can be distressing for your dog and may require veterinary intervention.
The pits of cherries pose a choking hazard and can also cause intestinal blockages if ingested. This can be a serious medical emergency requiring surgery to remove the obstruction.
If your dog has managed to snag some whole cherries, it's important to take action quickly. Here's what you should do:
First, try to determine how many cherries your dog has eaten and whether they consumed the pits or stems. This information will be important for your vet to know.
Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of distress or illness. Symptoms of cherry ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and lethargy.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten cherries or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away. They can provide guidance based on your dog's size, the amount ingested, and any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Unlike some other toxins, inducing vomiting after cherry ingestion is not recommended. This could potentially cause further harm to your dog.
Offer your dog fresh water to drink, which can help dilute any toxins and ease gastrointestinal discomfort.