Dog Ate Two Cherries: Is It Okay?

Okay, straight to the point – generally speaking, two cherries shouldn’t cause any major drama for most dogs. But, hold your horses before you start feeding them handfuls! There’s a bit more to it than just a simple yes or no. Let’s dig in, shall we?

It was the weirdest Tuesday ever, wasn’t it? I swear, my fluffy tornado of a dog, Max, managed to pilfer two glorious, ruby-red cherries right off the kitchen counter when I turned my back for literally two seconds. My heart leaped into my throat and I could feel my brain doing the ‘is this a vet-worthy emergency?’ calculation. I know, dramatic much? But he’s my best buddy, so naturally I panicked. After taking a couple of deep breaths, I decided to do a bit of digging. Turns out, that quick grab and go wasn’t as catastrophic as I had originally feared, and here’s what I found out.

The Pits: The Real Troublemaker

So, the flesh of a cherry, the yummy, juicy bit? That’s generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It’s the pit that’s the real villain. See, those pits (and also the stems, and leaves, by the way), contain a compound called cyanide, yes, that cyanide. Now, before you start picturing your pup keeling over dramatically, the cyanide in a few cherry pits isn’t usually enough to cause immediate poisoning, especially not from two cherries.

However, this is where things can get a little complicated. It really depends on the size of your dog and how many pits they might have managed to ingest. A tiny Pomeranian chomping on five cherry pits is going to be much more at risk than a Great Dane casually swallowing the same amount. The cyanide in cherry pits can cause some pretty nasty symptoms like bright red gums, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and vomiting if a dog were to get a significant amount in their system. Now, if your dog has gotten into a significant amount of cherries with pits, you should absolutely call the vet as quickly as possible. Luckily, if you’re only talking about a small amount, such as two cherries, you’re probably in the clear, but always watch for any changes in behavior.

Beyond Cyanide: The Other Side of the Coin

Okay, so we’ve established the cyanide danger, but what else could go sideways? Turns out, even the fleshy part can have some downsides. Too many cherries can lead to an upset tummy. Just like in humans, too much of any sweet thing can cause some digestive distress. We’re talking about potential diarrhea, vomiting, and general discomfort. It’s best to consider cherries a rare treat, definitely not a regular part of their diet.

Plus, cherry pits are a choking hazard. They’re small, smooth, and easily swallowed whole, especially by a dog who isn’t exactly known for their delicate chewing habits (Max, I’m looking at you!). These can get stuck in the esophagus or intestines, and that can lead to major trouble. They could also cause a tear in your dog’s intestine, which can be life-threatening. If your dog is coughing, gagging, or displaying discomfort, this could be a sign of a blockage and it’s important to see your vet immediately. I’m pretty sure that nobody wants to make a vet trip for cherry pit surgery, which is why it’s best to not let the dog have them in the first place!

The Takeaway: Safety First, Always

So, after all that, what’s the ultimate conclusion? Two cherries might not be an immediate disaster, but prevention is always better than cure. Keep those cherry bowls out of reach, especially if your pup has a reputation for counter-surfing. If you do want to give your dog a sweet treat, there are safer options that are specifically made for canine consumption, like small chunks of banana, apple, or a single blueberry.

If your dog ever does get a hold of cherries, keep a close eye on them. Watch for any signs of distress or abnormal behavior. And when in doubt, a quick call to your vet is always a smart move – it will ease your worries and put your mind at peace. After all, they know best about your dog and can give the best advice.

Ultimately, we’re responsible for keeping our furry friends safe, and that means being aware of potentially harmful foods, and the dangers of cherries. Just keep the cherries to yourself, or buy some dog-friendly treats, and it will be smooth sailing! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to do a serious kitchen sweep to prevent any future fruit-related incidents.