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My dog ate a cherry pit. Is it safe? What symptoms should I watch for?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 10 months old

My dog ate a cherry pit that I accidentally dropped. Will this cause any problems for him?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 29th, 2016

Cherry pits do contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs - but normally, even a small dog like a Yorkie would have to eat a large number of them to cause a problem. The pit should pass through uneventfully, but if Jordan has any vomiting, lethargy or other problems I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam to be safe.

184Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Cherry pits do contain cyanide, and they are not safe for dogs to eat. They can give your dog an upset stomach and possible cyanide poisoning. Because Jordan only ate one, he should be ok, but I would monitor him. Watch for signs of labored breathing, bright reddish gums, and/or dilated pupils. If you see any signs of that, take him to your vet immediately.
107Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 1st, 2019
Two cherries likely will not cause anything worse than some mild stomach upset. Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, labored breathing or bright red gums. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian. The pits will pass in the next 24 hours.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 13th, 2018
One cherry will not cause any problem.
Generally speaking cherries ingestion (in large numbers) can be toxic as: the pits of cherries contain cyanide, which is toxic, and can also cause intestinal obstruction. More rarely, but it could happen, the fruit of a cherry can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on July 16th, 2018
One cherry pit is likely not enough to cause cyanide toxicity. It may cause some stomach upset though. It should pass within 24 to 36 hours.
Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or straining to defecate. See your veterinarian if any of these symptoms develop.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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