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.
dog safety reference
Is Chokecherry safe for dogs?
Prunus virginiana
Choke Cherry is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of white flowers and dark berries. It contains cyanogenic glycosides which can be harmful if ingested by pets.
ChokecherryPrunus virginianaVirginia Bird Cherry
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs are the pet most likely to actually be poisoned by chokecherry — they're big enough to chew bark, branches, and pits cleared from a yard. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both list chokecherry as toxic to dogs because the leaves, twigs, and seeds release cyanide, especially as cuttings wilt.
What to watch for
Bright-red gums, dilated pupils, panting or fast/labored breathing, drooling, vomiting, staggering, and weakness — escalating to seizures, collapse, and shock. Larger dogs that chewed multiple twigs or pits are at higher risk.
Time window
Signs typically begin within 15–60 minutes of meaningful ingestion. Pet Poison Helpline notes chokecherry can cause rapid clinical decline; exact dose-to-onset isn't published.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately on suspicion — do not wait for symptoms. Any breathing change, gum-color change, or weakness is an emergency; cyanide poisoning is treatable but only if treatment starts fast.
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, rapid breathing, weakness, and potential seizures.
Escalation note
The plant contains compounds that convert to cyanide upon ingestion. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect 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
Questions about Chokecherry
Is chokecherry toxic to dogs?
Yes, chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides that convert to cyanide upon ingestion, making it potentially dangerous regardless of which part is consumed — berries, leaves, or twigs.
What are the symptoms of chokecherry poisoning in dogs?
Signs typically appear within 15–60 minutes of ingestion and include excessive drooling, vomiting, rapid or labored breathing, bright-red gums, dilated pupils, weakness, and staggering — escalating to seizures, collapse, and shock. Larger dogs that chewed multiple twigs or pits face higher risk.
What should I do if my dog ate chokecherries?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Cyanide poisoning is treatable but only if care starts fast; any change in breathing, gum color, or sudden weakness should be treated as an emergency.
How does cyanide poisoning from chokecherry work in dogs?
Chokecherry leaves, bark, and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that the body converts to hydrogen cyanide after ingestion. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen, which is why affected dogs show breathing distress and bright-red gums (blood stays oxygenated but tissues can't use it) and can decline rapidly.
Same dog verdict
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