Are Cherry Pits Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compound in cherry pits:

• Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), which release cyanide when the pit is chewed/crushed and metabolized

If your dog ate cherry pits, watch for:

• •Brick red mucous membranes
• •Dilated pupils
• •Difficulty breathing
• •Panting
• •Low blood oxygen levels
• •Shock
• •Potentially death in severe cyanide poisoning
• •Possible gastrointestinal or airway obstruction if a pit lodges in the throat, stomach, or intestines

Are cherry pits poisonous to dogs?

Yes. Cherry pits contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin). When a pit is chewed or crushed, cyanide is released and can cause poisoning. All parts of the cherry plant except the ripe fleshy fruit are considered toxic. The pit also poses a separate physical risk of choking or gastrointestinal obstruction.

My dog swallowed a whole cherry pit. Is that an emergency?

Per the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, if a dog swallows a whole pit without chewing or breaking it open, cyanide poisoning is generally not expected because the cyanide is only released when the pit is crushed. However, the smooth, round pit can still lodge in the throat, stomach, or intestines and cause an obstruction, especially in small and medium dogs. Watch closely and contact a vet or poison control if you see vomiting, gagging, abdominal pain, or breathing trouble.

What are the signs of cyanide poisoning from cherry pits in dogs?

Signs include brick-red gums and mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, low blood oxygen, and shock. Severe cyanide poisoning can be fatal. If your dog chewed multiple cherry pits or shows any of these signs, treat it as an emergency and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

• ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Cherry
• Pet Poison Helpline - Cherry

Last updated 2026-06-25