Can Puppies Eat Cherries?

Okay, let’s cut right to the chase, shall we? The short answer is: NO, dogs should absolutely NOT eat cherries, at least not the whole fruit, pit, stem and all. Now, before you freak out if your furry pal just snatched one off the counter, keep reading, we’re about to dive deep into the sticky situation of pups and cherries.

Cherry Danger Zone: It’s All About the Pit!

You see, it’s not really the flesh of the cherry that’s the issue (though we will get to that too). The real trouble lies within the cherry pit, the stem, and even the leaves. These parts contain a chemical compound called cyanide. Now, before you imagine your dog turning into a tiny super villain, the amount of cyanide is small, but it is still poisonous to them. When a dog chomps down on a pit, it might inadvertently swallow it whole, or worse, crack it open. Either way, the cyanide is released in their system.

Think of it this way: imagine you just ate a bunch of those tiny almond-like things inside peach pits – not so good for you, right? It’s the same principle with dogs and cherries, only way more potent!

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can range from mild upset tummy situations like vomiting and diarrhea to more serious issues like breathing difficulties, dilated pupils, and even seizures. You definitely don’t want to mess around with that, believe me. The size of your dog also plays a big role; a little chihuahua will be affected more severely by a small amount than a big old labrador. So, it’s just best to avoid cherries all together to be safe.

Another big issue with cherry pits is that they are a major choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage. Imagine trying to digest a smooth, hard marble. Not fun, right? The same goes for your dog. If that pit gets lodged somewhere in their digestive system, they might require surgery, which equals a HUGE vet bill and a lot of stress for everyone involved. So, no, those pits are definite no-go!

What About That Sweet, Juicy Cherry Flesh?

So we’ve established that the pit is a major no-no. But what about the good stuff? Well, even the flesh of a cherry is not exactly a dog’s best friend. It’s not toxic, but it contains a lot of sugar. Dogs’ digestive systems just aren’t set up to process large amounts of sugar very well.

Imagine giving your dog a massive sugar rush – you might get a super hyper pup zooming around your living room like a furry tornado and later comes a sugar crash that leaves them listless. Beyond the immediate sugar high and subsequent slump, too much sugary food can also lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and with continuous intake, might contribute to things like weight gain, diabetes and other nasty health issues in the long run. Plus, all that natural sugar in cherries can add extra calories to their daily intake. If you are trying to keep your dog in tip top shape, it’s best to skip on the cherries and opt for much more healthy alternatives.

Also keep in mind, different dogs will react differently to the amount of sugar in the fruit. Some dogs might get away with a few pieces of cherry meat, some might suffer severely. Thus, a general rule of thumb, it’s easier to avoid feeding them cherry at all.

If Your Pup Ate a Cherry: The Next Steps

Okay, so maybe Fido was sneaky and grabbed a cherry while you weren’t looking. What do you do now? The most important thing is don’t panic, but do keep a close eye on them! If they just had one cherry, and spit out the pit, they are most likely okay. Observe them closely, look for any signs of trouble like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, heavy panting, or other unusual behavior.

If you know that they have ingested the pit, or if they are showing some symptoms, you need to call your vet immediately! You know your dog better than anyone, so trust your gut. Don’t delay in getting them professional help. Sometimes inducing vomiting might be recommended. Other times your vet will suggest other solutions depending on the situation. The sooner your dog gets professional attention, the better for their health.

You might consider keeping the number of your local emergency animal hospital handy. You can even prepare a pet first aid kit with their basic needs. It’s always better to be over-prepared and safe than to be sorry. And yes, it’s always good to call your vet even if the dog’s symptoms seem mild at first. Some symptoms may take a while to surface, so it’s best to get them checked out just in case.

Also, once the crisis is over, you can make sure to store those tempting cherries in places they cannot reach, like up on a high shelf or inside a tightly sealed container in the fridge. Out of sight, out of mind, for your furry companion!

So, in a nutshell: cherries and dogs are not a great mix! While the cherry flesh might not be as harmful, the pits, stems, and leaves are definite dangers. If you want to keep your canine companion safe and healthy, skip the cherries, and go for other dog-friendly treats. There are tons of yummy snacks for pups like carrots, blueberries, banana, and bits of cooked chicken. They’ll be happier and much safer!