PlantFunCherry Toxic?
Stems, leaves, and seeds of all cherry species contain cyanogenic glycosides, the primary toxic compound
Wilting cherry plant material is significantly more toxic than fresh material for animals
Ingestion of toxic cherry parts can lead to life-threatening cyanide poisoning if left untreated
FAQ
Is Cherry toxic to Humans?
No reported toxicity from ripe, pitted cherry flesh; ingestion of large amounts of stems, leaves, or seeds may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heart rate (Low)
Is Cherry toxic to Cats?
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality (High)
Is Cherry toxic to Dogs?
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality (High)
Is Cherry toxic to Horses?
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality (High)
Toxicity Details
No reported toxicity from ripe, pitted cherry flesh; ingestion of large amounts of stems, leaves, or seeds may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heart rate
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality
Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, potential fatality
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining cherry plant material from the affected animal's mouth immediately
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a veterinary professional
- • Document the quantity and type of plant part ingested (e.g. wilted leaves, pits) to share with your vet
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of cherry stems, leaves, seeds, or wilted plant material
- • Appearance of clinical signs including difficulty breathing, discolored mucous membranes, or dilated pupils
- • Loss of consciousness or signs of shock in the animal
Prevention
- • Restrict pet and livestock access to cherry trees, especially fallen wilted branches and leaves
- • Dispose of cherry pits, pruned branches, and fallen foliage securely out of reach of animals
- • Never feed pets or horses unprocessed cherry parts including pits, stems, or leaves
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Veterinary administration of targeted cyanide antidotes for confirmed poisoning cases
- • Supportive care including oxygen therapy to address respiratory distress
- • Continuous monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function until full recovery
Professional Toxicology
• Cyanogenic glycosides are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract to release hydrogen cyanide, which blocks cellular oxygen uptake leading to tissue hypoxia and organ damage
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.