Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Black Cherry - what should I do?
Prunus serotina
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Excessive drooling, vomiting, labored breathing, weakness, and potential seizures.
Escalation note
The plant material can cause cyanide poisoning, which is life-threatening. Immediate veterinary intervention is required if your dog consumes any part of this tree.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not delay transport to wait out symptoms and do not induce vomiting at home without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. Bring a sample of what was chewed (leaves, twigs, or pits) so the vet can confirm the dose.
What to watch for
Bright-red gums (turning bluish as poisoning progresses), dilated pupils, rapid panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, watery eyes, and obvious anxiety or excitement that gives way to weakness, staggering, collapse, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Time window
High-dose ingestion can produce signs within minutes and death within 1–2 hours; smaller doses may not show signs for up to 24 hours. Dogs that reach treatment quickly typically recover within a day or two with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) immediately on any suspicion. If your dog is panting hard, gums look bright-red or blue, or you see staggering or collapse, drive to the nearest emergency vet now — cyanide is treatable but only with prompt antidote and oxygen.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. Black Cherry leaves, stems, and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when crushed in the mouth, with wilting branches after pruning or storms being especially dangerous. Dogs that swallow a whole pit usually pass it; the real risk is when they chew leaves or crack pits open.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.