Cherries can be a wonderful fruit right off the tree or in a pie. But, they can also be a pain with the pits and all. There’s no question that your dog will enjoy the taste, but can Shih Tzus eat cherries?
Can Shih Tzus Eat Cherries
In general, Shih Tzus shouldn’t eat cherries.
There are a lot of healthy fruits out there for dogs, but cherries aren’t one of them.
While one or two cherries aren’t a real problem, it is best to stay away from cherries altogether when it comes to the health of your Shih Tzu.
Dangers of Cherries for Your Shih Tzu
The real concerns when it comes to cherries are the stems, leaves, and pits.
They contain cyanide which is poisonous for your dog and can even be deadly if they eat too many of them.
Honestly, you shouldn’t be eating these parts of cherries either.
Also, the cherry pits can get stuck in your Shih Tzu’s digestive tract.
This can lead to intestinal blockages which can be very dangerous.
Giving your dog the meat from fresh cherries isn’t going to harm them, but really it might be best to make a practice of not giving them any.
Also, cherries have high sugar content, so they aren’t good for Shih Tzu’s that have diabetes.
Even if your dog isn’t poisoned, eating cherries can lead to an upset stomach.
If you happen to have a cherry tree in your yard, be sure to keep a watchful eye on your Shih Tzu when they are in the yard.
You don’t want them to pick up and eat any cherries that have fallen on the ground.
Symptoms Your Shih Tzu is Having Negative Side Effects from Eating a Cherry
Chances are nothing will happen if your dog eats a couple of cherries, so don’t freak out if they happen to get one, but even if there are no stomach upsets from them eating one or cyanide poisoning, you do need to stay on the lookout for an intestinal obstruction especially in small dogs like a Shih Tzu.
Intestinal blockage signs to watch for include:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Decreased Stool
- Decreased appetite
It can take up to 24 hours before these symptoms may show up.
If your Shih Tzu has eaten more than a couple of cherries, you will want to watch for symptoms of cyanide poisoning.
You might notice the following:
- Bright red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Trouble breathing
- Shock
Even if your Shih Tzu ate the cherries without pits, you still should give your vet a call and ask for their guidance.
They may want you to bring your dog in immediately, or they may want you to induce vomiting.
Even if your Shih Tzu doesn’t get cyanide poisoning, they can also have abdominal pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
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Maraschino Cherries and Shih Tzus
It’s true that you don’t have to worry about cyanide poisoning with maraschino cherries, but they are full of sugar and you shouldn’t give them to your Shih Tzu.
There are other fruits and veggies that have better health benefits.
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To Sum it All Up:
While you might be tempted to give your Shih Tzu a cherry, don’t. A single cherry pit can cause a gastrointestinal blockage. Not to mention the cyanide in cherries can be toxic. The downsides of cherries outweigh any beneficial nutrients. Find safer fruits that you can give your Shih Tzu as a treat. Both of you will be glad you did.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs and issues. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
