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Dog Eats Cherries: A Hilarious (and Slightly Worrying) Tale

Did my dog eat cherries? Yes, and the chaos that ensued was a mix of cuteness, concern, and cherry pits everywhere. I never thought I’d be dealing with this. Let me tell you the story…

Cherry Thief in Action

Okay, so picture this: a sunny afternoon, me relaxing on the patio with a bowl of juicy, ruby-red cherries. My dog, aptly named “Trouble,” is usually pretty chill, content to nap in a sunbeam. But this time? He was laser-focused on my fruit.

I turn my head for maybe 2 seconds to grab my phone, and when I look back, Trouble is in the bowl, face deep in cherries. I swear he gave me a guilty look as he swallowed a whole cherry without chewing.

I panicked, of course. I’d heard somewhere that cherries are toxic to dogs. Google became my best friend (and my worst enemy) for the next hour.

Are Cherries Actually Toxic to Dogs?

The internet is a scary place when you’re worried about your pet. Some sites screamed “DEATH!” others were more like, “Meh, probably fine.” After wading through the info, here’s what I figured out:

The pits are the problem: Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic. If a dog chews and breaks the pits, it releases the cyanide.

The flesh is usually okay: The actual cherry flesh is generally safe in small quantities. It’s sweet, and dogs often like the taste.

Stems and leaves, avoid them: Like the pits, these contain cyanide and should be avoided.

So, Trouble had eaten maybe five cherries, pits and all. I monitored him like a hawk. Luckily, he’s a big dog, so the amount of cyanide he might have ingested was likely minimal.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Cherries

If your dog decides to become a cherry connoisseur, here’s what I learned:

1. Don’t panic (easier said than done): Assess the situation. How many cherries did they eat? Did they chew the pits?

2. Check for symptoms: Look for signs of cyanide poisoning, such as difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, vomiting, or seizures.

3. Call your vet: If you’re concerned, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Monitor your dog: Even if your vet says it’s probably fine, keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual behavior.

Other Fruits Your Dog Can (and Can’t) Enjoy

While we’re on the subject of dogs and fruit, let’s talk about other options. Some fruits are great for dogs, while others are a definite no-no.

Good fruits:

Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants.

Apples (without seeds): A good source of fiber.

Bananas: High in potassium.

Watermelon (seedless): Hydrating and refreshing.

Bad fruits:

Grapes and raisins: Highly toxic to dogs.

Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic.

Citrus fruits (in large quantities): Can cause stomach upset.

The Aftermath

Thankfully, Trouble was fine. He didn’t show any signs of cyanide poisoning. But he did have some impressive cherry-colored poop the next day. (Sorry, but it’s true!)

Now, I’m much more careful about leaving fruit unattended. Trouble has proven that he’s a sneaky little opportunist when it comes to delicious snacks.

So, Lessons Learned?

Cherries are a bit of a gray area for dogs. The flesh is generally safe, but the pits, stems, and leaves are not. If your dog eats cherries, stay calm, assess the situation, and contact your vet if you’re concerned. And maybe, just maybe, keep your fruit out of reach! My cherry-loving canine is lucky he’s so cute.