Some dog owners don’t mind giving their dogs a small treat from the table occasionally, while others only allow their dogs to eat canine food and treats. Regardless of the rules you have for your dog’s diet, dogs often find their way into treats of all kinds. Your pet might be determined to eat anything you have around the house or kitchen. So if your pup has gotten into cherries, you might wonder if they will be okay or if they’re are toxic for dogs.
Luckily, you don’t have to take immediate action if your dog has eaten a cherry or two. However, cherries still pose some health risks for dogs, and you should monitor your pet for any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If your dog has eaten a lot of cherries, seek immediate veterinary care.
Are Cherries Toxic to Dogs?
While some fruits are safe for dogs and are included in dog foods, cherries can be toxic. The fruity, fleshy part of the cherry is mostly fine, but the pits, stems, and leaves contain small amounts of cyanide. This substance is poisonous to dogs and other pets if they eat a large quantity. In rare cases, cyanide poisoning can lead to fatalities.
Basically, if your dog ate a cherry or two, the chances of poisoning are very slim. It’s still good to keep an eye on them for any concerning symptoms related to their digestive system, but the risks are minimal..
Secondly, the pits pose another risk as they can get stuck in the digestive tract and lead to issues such as blockages in the intestines.
Are Maraschino Cherries Dangerous for Dogs?
Maraschino cherries taste great on ice cream, and since they already have the pits removed, you might wonder if you can give them to your dog. But, while they might not have cyanide in them, maraschino cherries have a lot of added sugar.
Sugar and artificial coloring could lead to diarrhea and hyperactivity, and if you give your pet treats with added sugar over a long period, the impacts could be much more severe.
What About Artificial Cherry Flavoring?
Like maraschino cherries, artificial cherry candies and other food products have a lot of extra sugar that isn’t great for your dog. It’s best to avoid feeding these items to your beloved pet.
Safe Fruits For Dogs
While it’s best to keep cherries out of the reach of your dog’s treat-loving eyes, there are healthier fruits they can have that will not make them sick. Here are fruits you can serve as an occasional snack:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pears
- Pineapple
Also, keep in mind that grapes are unsafe for dogs and shouldn’t be fed to them.
Final Thoughts On Cherries And Dogs
Dogs can be rather sneaky in their pursuit of human foods. So, be extra careful to keep cherries away from them. If your dog has had one or two cherries, don’t panic, but monitor them for 24 hours. If your pup has eaten several cherries, go to the vet so they can be examined for cyanide poisoning.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
