Is Choke Cherry Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Prunus virginiana
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting leaves |
| Onset of symptoms | Within an hour for large ingestions of pits/wilted leaves |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting
- Seizures with large ingestion
Symptoms in cats
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
Advertisement
What to do
The flesh of the fruit is not a concern in small amounts; contact a vet if pits were chewed/cracked open or if a dog has been chewing on wilting/damaged branches, since wilted leaves release more cyanide than fresh ones.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Choke Cherry is cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting leaves.
Part-specific risk: Ripe fruit flesh is safe in moderation; the danger is concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting foliage.
What makes this plant different
Choke Cherry's astringent, bitter fruit is less palatable than cultivated cherries, which may somewhat reduce voluntary ingestion, but its cyanogenic pit and wilting-leaf risk is identical to other Prunus species.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Prunus virginiana
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Also known as
- Choke Cherry
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Apple
Malus sylvestrus
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Cherry
Prunus spp.
Peach
Prunus persica
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control