Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Sweet Cherry safe for dogs?
Prunus avium
Prunus avium is a deciduous tree known for its edible fruit, but its stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested by pets. It is widely cultivated for fruit production and as an ornamental specimen.
Bird CherryGeanPrunus aviumSweet Cherry
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs are exposed to cherry plants more often than cats — they raid fallen fruit and chew sticks. The ripe red flesh is not the danger; the stems, leaves, and the kernel inside the pit contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide. A single swallowed whole pit is usually low risk, but chewed pits, wilted leaves, or a mouthful of clippings can cause life-threatening poisoning.
What to watch for
Watch for bright-red gums, dilated pupils, panting or labored breathing, drooling, vomiting, weakness, staggering, or collapse. Larger dogs may also show GI obstruction signs — repeated vomiting, hunched belly, no bowel movements — if a whole pit lodges in the gut.
Time window
Cyanide signs commonly start within 15–60 minutes of ingestion and can escalate quickly. With early veterinary treatment most dogs recover within 24–48 hours. Untreated severe poisoning can be fatal within the first hour.
When to call the vet
Call immediately if your dog chewed pits, ate cherry leaves or wilted branches, or shows any of the signs above. Even before symptoms appear, treat known leaf or chewed-pit ingestion as an emergency.
First aid at home
Do not induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and head to your nearest emergency vet. Bring a sample of the leaves or pits if you can — it helps the vet confirm cyanide exposure quickly.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock.
Escalation note
The stems, leaves, and pits contain compounds that release cyanide upon digestion. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Sweet Cherry is listed as toxic to cats and dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Apple
Malus sylvestris
The apple tree is a deciduous fruit-bearing plant known for its edible fruit, though the seeds and foliage contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While the fruit flesh is generally safe, the plant parts containing amygdalin pose a risk to pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Bitter Orange
Citrus aurantium
Citrus aurantium is a citrus tree known for its fragrant flowers and bitter fruit, often used in essential oil production. It contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Black Locust
Robinia spp.
Robinia species, commonly known as locust trees, contain toxic proteins and alkaloids throughout the bark, leaves, and seeds. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress in pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.