Pet emergency
My dog ate Sweet Cherry 'Sunburst' — what to do
Step by step
- Take sweet cherry 'sunburst' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate sweet cherry 'sunburst' — FAQ
Is sweet cherry 'sunburst' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Sweet Cherry 'Sunburst' (Prunus avium 'Sunburst') as toxic to dogs. Cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide; wilting foliage and the kernel within the stone are most toxic, while the ripe flesh is not the danger. Poisoning signs include brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, panting, breathing difficulty and shock. Keep pets away from prunings, leaves and stones.
How serious is it if my dog ate sweet cherry 'sunburst'?
Sweet Cherry 'Sunburst' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides releasing cyanide; wilting foliage and the kernel within the stone are most toxic, while the ripe flesh is not the danger. Poisoning signs include brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, panting, breathing difficulty and shock. Keep pets away from prunings, leaves and stones. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep sweet cherry 'sunburst' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is sweet cherry 'sunburst' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Sweet Cherry 'Sunburst' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide