Poisoning - Fruit and Seeds

Comparing Apples to Oranges: Toxic or Not?

Fruit and Seeds

   Did You Know...the arrival of Spring and Summer brings lots of fresh oranges, grapefruits, peaches, cherries, apples and many other delectable fruits. However, certain parts of these fruits can be potentially irritating - or even occasionally toxic in some situations - to our companion animals.
   The peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation such as vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. In some cases, exposures to high concentrations of these substances (such as those found in certain citrus-based cleaners) could possibly result in central nervous system depression as well. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples, cherries, peaches, apricots and certain other fruit trees contain cyanogenic glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of appetite, and in severe cases weakness, incoordination, difficulty in breathing, hyperventilation, shock, coma and even death could occur.
   Typically, these severe effects develop from very large ingestions of plant material that are more likely to occur with grazing animals such as horses or other livestock. The consumption of a few segments of citrus fruit, an apple or two or a few cherries would usually not be expected to cause serious problems beyond perhaps minor stomach upset. However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the potential for problems that these fruit trees can produce.
   Companion animal owners should try to become familiar with the different types of plants in and around their home, and make sure that the plant material of potentially poisonous species are not accessible to pets.
   If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a potentially harmful product or substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) for immediate assistance.

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