Is cherry pits toxic to dogs?
Cherry pits, stems and leaves contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when crushed. A single swallowed pit is usually not a cyanide emergency, but pits can block a small dog's intestines. The toxic principle is amygdalin (releases cyanide when the pit is crushed or chewed).
Toxic dose by dog weight
There is no reliable numeric toxic dose for cherry pits in dogs, so we don't show a weight-band table — inventing one would be misleading. No reliable numeric dose for dogs. A few swallowed whole pits rarely release significant cyanide; blockage is the more common risk in small dogs. Stems, leaves and wilted leaves also contain cyanogenic glycosides. Smaller dogs (toy and small breeds) are generally at higher risk from any given amount.
Symptoms timeline
0–2 hours: usually no signs, gagging or vomiting.
2–12 hours: repeated vomiting (possible blockage), reduced appetite, abdominal pain.
12–72 hours: constipation or straining, brick-red gums or breathing difficulty (rare, large chewed ingestions).
Go to the vet / call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 now if…
- Your dog chewed many pits, stems or leaves
- Your dog has difficulty breathing or bright red gums
- Vomiting is repeated or your dog can't keep food down
- You are unsure what or how much your dog ate
- Your dog is very young, old, pregnant or has heart, liver or kidney disease
First aid: do's and don'ts
Do:
- Move your dog away from the source and remove any remaining material from their mouth if it is safe to do so
- Keep the packaging, label or a sample/photo of what was eaten
- Note your dog's weight, the approximate amount and the time of ingestion
- Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away
Don't:
- Never induce vomiting without veterinary advice — for some substances it causes more harm
- Don't give salt, hydrogen peroxide, oils or home remedies unless a vet tells you to
- Don't wait for symptoms if the substance is highly toxic
- Don't give human medicines to treat symptoms
How vets treat cherry pits exposure
Treatment depends on the amount, time since ingestion and your dog's signs. It may include decontamination when appropriate, activated charcoal for some toxins, IV fluids, medications to control signs, and monitoring. Bring the packaging so your vet can tailor treatment.
Prognosis
Most dogs treated early do well. The outlook depends on the dose, how quickly care begins, and your dog's overall health. Severe or delayed cases carry a more guarded prognosis.
What to do now
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service for exposure-specific advice. Dog poison control: phone numbers, fees and when to call.