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Is Williams Pear toxic to dogs?

Pyrus communis 'Williams' Bon Chrétien'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — williams pear is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. 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.

What to do if your dog ate williams pear

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move williams pear out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of williams pear to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten williams pear, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is williams pear toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is williams pear toxic to dogs?

Yes — williams pear is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. 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.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats williams pear?

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. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to williams pear.

What should I do if my dog ate williams pear?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is williams pear toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Williams Pear is toxic to cats as well. See the full williams pear pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to williams pear?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full williams pear pet-safety