My Dog Ate Apricot Pits: What to Do Next

If your dog ate apricot pits, prompt action is important because chewed pits can release cyanide and the large pits can cause a serious intestinal blockage.

Quick Answer

If your dog ate apricot pits, stay calm but act quickly. Apricot pits contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed or cracked, and their large size makes choking or intestinal obstruction likely. Do not induce vomiting or try home remedies. Remove any remaining pits, note how many were eaten and whether they were chewed, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service right away for guidance.

Emergency Contacts

If you suspect your dog has eaten apricot pits, act quickly. Contact a professional for guidance.

• United States: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline — (855) 764-7661
• United Kingdom: Animal PoisonLine — 01202 509000
• Canada: Pet Poison Helpline — (855) 764-7661
• Australia: Animal Poisons Helpline — 1300 869 738
• European Union: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency clinic or national animal poison service

TOXICITY CHECKER

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Safety Verdict

Apricot pits are toxic to dogs. The pit inside an apricot contains amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrogen cyanide when the pit is crushed, chewed, or cracked open. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen, which can become life-threatening in a short time. The kernel inside the pit is especially concentrated in amygdalin, so cracked pits are particularly dangerous.

If your dog swallowed the pits whole, the cyanide risk is generally lower — but apricot pits are large and hard. A whole pit can choke a dog, fracture a tooth, or create an intestinal blockage that may require surgery. Either way, this is not a situation to monitor alone at home.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

Follow these steps:

1. Secure the area. Remove all apricots, pits, kernels, and fallen fruit so your dog cannot eat more.
2. Do not induce vomiting. Do not give hydrogen peroxide, salt, milk, or any home remedy. These can cause additional harm and are unsafe without a veterinarian's instruction.
3. Record the details. Estimate how many pits were eaten, note whether they were whole or chewed, and note the time.
4. Call for professional help. Contact your veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, or an animal poison-control hotline. They will guide you based on your dog's weight and the specifics of the exposure.
5. Follow their instructions exactly. A professional may advise monitoring, a clinic visit, or other steps.
6. Bring evidence if you go in. Take any remaining fruit, pits, or packaging with you if you can do so safely.

What Signs May Occur?

Watch closely for the following. Cyanide-related signs from chewed or cracked pits may appear quickly:

• Drooling, nausea, or vomiting
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Bright red gums
• Dilated pupils
• Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
• Seizures in severe cases

Obstruction-related signs from whole pits may take longer:

• Repeated vomiting, especially after eating or drinking
• Abdominal pain or a swollen abdomen
• Refusal to eat
• Constipation or straining without producing stool
• Lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately — do not wait.

What Information Should Be Ready?

Have these details ready when you call:

• Estimated number of apricot pits or kernels eaten
• Whether pits were whole, chewed, or cracked open
• Time of ingestion (as close as you can estimate)
• Your dog's breed, age, and weight
• Current health conditions and medications
• Signs you have already observed and when they began

Differences That May Affect Risk

Your dog's situation is unique. Key factors include:

• Were the pits chewed? Chewing or cracking releases amygdalin and sharply raises cyanide risk. Whole pits carry more obstruction risk.
• Were kernels eaten? The seed inside the pit is especially high in amygdalin, making cracked-pit exposure more dangerous.
• How many pits? More pits increase both toxicity and blockage risk.
• Dog size? Smaller dogs are more vulnerable on both fronts — a single large pit can obstruct a small dog.
• How long ago? Acting quickly gives a veterinarian more options.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Seek emergency care immediately if:

• Your dog chewed or cracked the pits
• You see breathing difficulty, bright red gums, weakness, collapse, or seizures
• Your dog vomits repeatedly, shows pain, or cannot pass stool

Also contact a veterinarian if:

• Your dog ate whole pits but shows no signs (to monitor for obstruction)
• You are unsure how many pits were consumed
• Your dog has health conditions that could increase risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after my dog eats apricot pits?

Remove any remaining pits, do not induce vomiting or give home remedies, and call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control hotline right away. Be ready to share how many pits were eaten, whether they were chewed, and your dog's size.

Will my dog be okay after eating whole apricot pits?

Whole pits may pass without releasing much cyanide, but because apricot pits are large and hard, they carry a real risk of choking or intestinal blockage. The outcome depends on the number of pits and your dog's size. Contact a veterinarian rather than waiting alone.

Should I make my dog vomit after eating apricot pits?

No. Do not induce vomiting or use home remedies. If cyanide has been released, vomiting will not reverse the exposure, and attempting it can cause additional harm. Always follow a veterinarian's instructions.

TOXICITY CHECKER

Stay prepared and protect your dog. Use the PawAI Toxicity Checker to quickly look up foods, plants, and household items before or after exposure.

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Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Apricot (Prunus species)
2. Pet Poison Helpline — Cyanide poisoning in pets
3. VCA Animal Hospitals — Cyanide toxicity in animals
4. Merck Veterinary Manual — Cyanide poisoning

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker provide general safety information and cannot determine an individual pet's toxicity risk or replace a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. If exposure may have occurred, contact an appropriate professional promptly, even if your pet appears well.