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Pet safety

Is Yoshino Cherry toxic to dogs?

Prunus × yedoensis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — yoshino cherry 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. Flowering cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage the most dangerous. Although grown purely as an ornamental, fallen leaves and prunings carry the same risk of poisoning — brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep pets from chewing leaves and prunings.

What to do if your dog ate yoshino cherry

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move yoshino cherry 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 yoshino cherry to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is yoshino cherry toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is yoshino cherry toxic to dogs?

Yes — yoshino cherry is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Flowering cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage the most dangerous. Although grown purely as an ornamental, fallen leaves and prunings carry the same risk of poisoning — brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep pets from chewing leaves and prunings.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats yoshino cherry?

Flowering cherry (Prunus) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide, with wilting foliage the most dangerous. Although grown purely as an ornamental, fallen leaves and prunings carry the same risk of poisoning — brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep pets from chewing leaves and prunings. 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 yoshino cherry.

What should I do if my dog ate yoshino cherry?

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 yoshino cherry toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Yoshino Cherry is toxic to cats as well. See the full yoshino cherry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to yoshino cherry?

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 yoshino cherry pet-safety