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My dog ate cherry seeds and is very ill. What urgent treatment is needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 17 days old | 6.5 lbs

Harley ate some cherry seeds. Having diarrhea for 3 days. Vomiting over 20 times yesterday. Subq fluids given. Muscle relaxant, antibiotic, given by vet. Harley not doing well. Is there more that can be done for him that you suggest?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 18th, 2018

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry to hear that Harley is having this issue. Cherry seeds/pits, as I am sure you know by now, are toxic to dogs. They contain cyanide which is highly toxic.

Since the bonding of the chemical compound of cyanide must be stopped as soon as possible, treatment will be the top priority at this point. Treatment needs to be instituted ASAP. The longer you wait, the worse the prognosis. He should have been placed on intravenous fluids and not just given SQ fluids. SQ fluids is not enough to flush out his system. Sodium nitrate/sodium thiosulfate should be given if your vet has it available. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a ) is also used as a cyanide antidote.

So, in my opinion, he needs to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids and injections of Cerenia (anti-emetic) and more supportive care to give him the best chance at recovery.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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