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 Cherry safe for dogs?
Prunus spp.
Cherry trees and shrubs contain cyanogenic glycosides in their stems, leaves, and pits, which can release cyanide when ingested. These plants are considered toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Cherry TreeFlowering CherryPrunusPrunus spp.
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Tree or shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Cherry leaves, stems, and chewed pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when crushed. ASPCA classifies cherry as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline notes that a dog who chewed pits or ate a lot of leaves is a real emergency — call right away. Whole, swallowed pits are mainly an obstruction risk rather than a poisoning risk.
What to watch for
Brick-red gums, dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing, panting, weakness, and shock or collapse. Earlier or milder signs: drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain. Vomiting plus straining could also signal a pit obstruction.
Time window
Cyanide signs can appear within 15–30 minutes of chewing leaves, stems, or pits. Symptoms from a whole-pit obstruction may develop more slowly, over hours to a day.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. If your dog chewed any part of the plant or ate multiple pits, contact your vet and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away — treatment can include IV fluids and anti-seizure medication for cyanide exposure.
First aid at home
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control clinician tells you to. Remove any remaining plant pieces or pits from the dog's mouth, then call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) and head to the clinic — your vet may give IV fluids and, if needed, anti-seizure medication.
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
Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, panting, and weakness.
Escalation note
The presence of cyanogenic glycosides poses a serious health risk. If ingestion occurs, seek emergency veterinary care promptly to manage potential cyanide poisoning.
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
Cherry (Prunus species) contains cyanogenic glycosides which are toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Prunus is a large genus of trees and shrubs in the rose family, known for their ornamental flowers and fruit, but parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Questions about Cherry
Are cherry trees toxic to dogs?
Yes, cherry trees and shrubs (Prunus spp.) are toxic to dogs. The stems, leaves, and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Only the ripe fruit flesh is considered low-risk; every other part of the plant poses a serious health risk.
What are the symptoms of cherry poisoning in dogs?
Cyanide signs can appear within 15–30 minutes of chewing leaves, stems, or pits and include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, rapid or labored breathing, panting, weakness, and shock or collapse. Earlier or milder signs are excessive drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Vomiting combined with straining may also signal a pit obstruction, which develops more slowly over hours to a day.
What should I do if my dog ate a cherry pit or chewed cherry leaves?
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control clinician tells you to. Remove any remaining plant pieces or pits from your dog's mouth, then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately and head to the clinic. Your vet may administer IV fluids and, if needed, anti-seizure medication to manage cyanide exposure.
How much of a cherry plant is dangerous to a dog?
Any amount of chewed leaves, stems, or pits should be treated as a potential emergency because cyanogenic glycosides are present throughout these parts of the plant. Even a small number of chewed pits can trigger cyanide poisoning within 15–30 minutes. Contact your vet and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
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