Spring is here, which means cherry trees will soon be in full bloom. But if you have plans to take your dog on a stroll along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., through Central Park in New York City, or along the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia, you might want to keep a close eye on your four-legged friend.
The reason? Cherry blossoms can be harmful to dogs. According to Veterinary Emergency Group, cherry trees — specifically, the blossoms, leaves and seeds — contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are compounds that can produce cyanide, a poisonous chemical, when metabolized.
This doesn’t mean you and your pooch need to totally avoid cherry blossoms. “Fortunately, the blossoms from the cherry tree contain very low amounts of cyanide, and that makes the chances of intoxication very low,” Dr. Mike Dugan, the managing veterinarian for Small Door Vet, told HuffPost.
That said, there are a few factors to consider if you and your pup live or hike near cherry trees.
Why cherry blossoms can make dogs sick
As mentioned, various parts of cherry trees — especially pits, leaves and sometimes flowers and bark, contain small amounts of cyanide, according to Dr. Leslie Bauer, the medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio. Cyanide can be toxic to dogs and, if consumed, can lead to dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and, in severe cases, shock, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Some trees are ornamental and don’t produce fruit, while others do produce cherries, where cyanide is found to be most concentrated in the pits. The risk of poisoning is higher if your pup chews on cherry pits, according to Pet Poison Hotline, but it’d need to be a large amount. Bauer estimated that a pup would need to gnaw on 100 pits, if not more. If your dog swallows a couple of whole pits, they likely won’t cause any health problems.
Here’s better news — the risk of cyanide poisoning from ingesting cherry blossoms alone is extremely low, as a dog would need to consume a very large quantity.
“The cyanide levels in cherry blossoms are quite small, making it unlikely for dogs or cats to ingest enough blossoms to cause serious harm,” she told HuffPost.
Even if your pup isn’t at risk of consuming a poisonous dosage, there’s a chance the blossoms could lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, Bauer said. “Anything abnormal has the potential to cause vomiting and diarrhea,” she said. Plus, there’s always a chance the plants could contain microorganisms or decaying plant matter that could further agitate their GI system, according to Dugan.
What to do if you’re worried your pet ate cherry blossoms or pits
If your pet has mild GI symptoms, you may be able to monitor them at home. Dugan recommended holding off on feeding them for 10 to 12 hours. When you do give them food, make sure it’s bland and easily digestible. (Think: unseasoned, boiled chicken and rice.)
If they continue to vomit or do so multiple times in a short period, Dugan said it’s wise to get them checked out. There are medications that can be used to control vomiting, and fluids can be administered to restore hydration, Bauer added.
And if your dog shows any signs of poisoning — incoordination, breathing problems or a fast heart rate — the sooner you can get them checked out, the better. Ultimately, you know your dog best. If anything seems off with them, give your veterinarian a call, reach out to a local emergency animal hospital, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
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