Pet emergency
My dog ate Williams Pear — what to do
Step by step
- Take williams pear 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 williams pear — FAQ
Is williams pear poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Williams Pear (Pyrus communis 'Williams' Bon Chrétien') as toxic to dogs. Pyrus (pear) is grounded by the ASPCA stance on rose-family fruit trees: the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed in quantity. The ripe flesh is harmless, but ingestion of seeds, wilting leaves or prunings can cause drooling, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty and, in severe cases, shock in cats, dogs and horses. Keep pets from chewing prunings and seeds.
How serious is it if my dog ate williams pear?
Williams Pear 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. Pyrus (pear) is grounded by the ASPCA stance on rose-family fruit trees: the seeds, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed in quantity. The ripe flesh is harmless, but ingestion of seeds, wilting leaves or prunings can cause drooling, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty and, in severe cases, shock in cats, dogs and horses. Keep pets from chewing prunings and seeds. 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 williams pear well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is williams pear toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Williams Pear and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide