The following information is a summary and review based on Dr. Candy’s professional experience and recommendations. Any summary or statement has not been provided nor influenced by the manufacturer.
Hello! I’m Dr. Candy Akers is a holistic veterinarian who has worked for years to combine traditional and alternative methods of taking care of animals. Many pet owners have come to me over the years worried about the different plants, fruits, and other natural substances their furry friends might come into contact with. A common question that comes up is, “Are crabapples poisonous to dogs?” This is especially true when the trees are in full bloom.
Understanding the relationship between our pets and the natural world is crucial. As a holistic veterinarian, I always stress how important it is to look at the bigger picture and think about our pets’ health as a whole, not just the immediate problem. This includes their diet, environment, and the myriad of factors that can influence their health.
As promised, today’s blog will go into great detail about crabapples and how they might affect our dogs. We’ll talk about what crabapples are made of, tell the difference between myths and facts, and tell you what to do if your dog eats one. It’s essential to be informed, so you can make the best decisions for your pet’s health and safety. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together.
Crab apples are a common sight in many yards and parks during fall. These tiny, sour apples litter the ground underneath crab apple trees, tempting dogs with their smell and taste. But are these miniature fruits safe for your pup? As a dog owner, you may be wondering: should dogs eat crab apples?
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat crab apples. While not immediately toxic, crab apples can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Additionally, the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide that could become dangerous if large quantities are eaten.
An Overview of Crab Apples
Crab apples are essentially the wild ancestors of modern domesticated apple varieties. Compared to supermarket apples, crab apples tend to be much smaller in size – most are only 2-3 cm wide. They also pack a mouth-puckering sour taste and hard, bitter flesh.
Crab apples grow on small, scrubby trees known as crab apple trees You’ll often find these trees growing in parks, along trails, or in backyards
In the fall, ripe crab apples detach from branches and blanket the ground with small red-and-yellow orbs. It’s nearly impossible to walk under a crab apple tree without crunching these fruits underfoot!
While not as sweet or juicy as Honeycrisps and Galas, crab apples aren’t entirely inedible. In fact, some people use them to make jelly, wine, vinegar, and other products. However, most humans find straight crab apples to be uncomfortably tart.
Are Crab Apples Toxic?
Crab apples themselves are not toxic or poisonous. Both the flesh and skin of crab apples are safe for dogs to eat.
However, the seeds do contain a compound called amygdalin. This substance breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, which is quite toxic.
Apple seeds contain only a small amount of amygdalin. It would take over 100 apple cores to deliver a lethal dose of cyanide to a medium-sized dog. So while it’s not zero risk, the chances of toxicity from a few stray seeds are extremely low.
The main concern with dogs and crab apples is not poisoning, but gastrointenstinal upset from eating too many at once.
What Happens If a Dog Eats Crab Apples?
Given their strong, sour flavor and hard texture, most dogs are not overly tempted by crab apples. However, some dogs may happily scarf them up if given the chance.
If your dog manages to eat one or two crab apples, you likely have nothing to worry about. The worst you’ll probably see is slightly softer stools the next day as all that fiber passes through.
On the other hand, if your dog eats many crab apples in a short period of time, they are likely to suffer some gastrointestinal distress Signs can include
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
This is because the high fiber and acidity of crab apples can irritate the stomach lining. The astringent compounds they contain may also lead to nausea.
As long as your dog is acting normal otherwise, these symptoms should resolve on their own within a day or so. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water and consider feeding a bland diet until their stomach settles.
More severe reactions are possible if your dog manages to eat an extremely large amount of crab apples. Apple seeds also become a bigger concern if consumed in bulk.
Prompt veterinary care is recommended if your dog shows signs like:
- Bloody vomit or stool
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Collapse
So while a few crab apples are unlikely to be an issue, mass consumption does carry risks. Prevention is best if your dog tends to obsess over new food finds.
Do Crab Apples Offer Any Nutritional Benefits?
Compared to supermarket apples, crab apples are lower in sugar. However, they also provide fewer vitamins and minerals than modern cultivars.
The main nutrients found in crab apples include:
- Dietary fiber
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Small amounts of vitamins A, E, B6, and K
- Trace minerals like copper and manganese
While crab apples can add a little extra nutrition, the effect is quite minimal. There are far better sources of vitamins and minerals for dogs.
If you want to share apples with your dog, go for a classic sweet variety like a Red Delicious. Cut slices into bite-sized pieces and core them first to remove the seeds and choking hazard.
Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe Around Crab Apples
If you have crab apple trees in your neighborhood, use these tips to discourage your dog from indulging:
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Walk your dog on leash during peak crab apple season and steer them away from fallen fruits. Don’t allow sniffing, licking, or eating.
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Fence off crab apple trees in your own yard so your dog can’t access windfall apples. Rake up any fruits that hit the ground.
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Train a reliable “leave it” command so you can stop crab apple eating before it starts. Always have tasty treats on hand to reward ignoring the apples.
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Pick up crab apples before your dog can reach them on walks. Don’t allow scavenging.
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Monitor your dog closely if crab apple trees are nearby. Supervise anytime they’re off leash outside.
While most dogs won’t overdo it on crab apples, determined eaters may gorge themselves given the chance. Stopping access prevents tummy upsets down the road.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Special Risks
Some dogs may be more vulnerable to crab apple complications than others. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are prone to gastrointestinal issues overall. Senior dogs also tend to have more sensitive digestion.
Your own dog’s health history also plays a role. If they have food allergies or chronic stomach problems, crab apples could quickly trigger an upset.
Check with your vet if you’re unsure about the safety of occasional crab apples for your dog. They can help you gauge the risks and offer alternatives for seasonal walks if needed.
The Bottom Line
Crab apples won’t likely pose any grave danger to an otherwise healthy dog. However, they provide minimal benefits and aren’t worth upsetting your dog’s stomach.
While the odd apple or two dropped on the ground may not be a big deal, dogs should not be allowed to intentionally eat crab apples. The seeds could cause issues if consumed in bulk.
During crab apple season, take precautions to keep your dog from indulging. Steer them away from windfall apples on walks and supervise backyard time if you have a crab apple tree. A “leave it” command can also come in handy.
With some care and common sense, you can help your dog avoid any negative effects from neighborhood crab apples. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about the safety of occasional exposure to these wild apples.
Treatment for Crabapple Toxicity In Dogs
It is very dangerous for dogs to eat crabapple because the seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that can make them sick. If you think your dog has eaten a lot of cyanide or is showing signs of being poisoned by it, you need to take them to the vet right away. Here’s an overview of the treatment approach for crabapple toxicity in dogs:
- Immediate Veterinary Consultation: If you think crabapple is poisonous, call your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
- Stabilization: If the dog is having serious problems, like seizures or trouble breathing, the first thing that will be done is to keep the dog stable. This might involve administering oxygen, anticonvulsants, or other emergency interventions.
- Inducing Vomiting: If the dog just ate crabapples and isn’t showing any serious symptoms, the vet may make the dog vomit to get rid of any leftover crabapple material in the stomach.
- Activated charcoal: Giving activated charcoal can help bind any toxins that are still in the stomach and intestines, stopping them from getting into the bloodstream.
- Intravenous Fluids: IV fluids can help flush toxins out of the body, keep you hydrated, and support kidney function.
- Monitoring: Vital signs, blood oxygen levels, and other parameters will need to be checked on a regular basis to see how the dog responds to treatment and make sure there are no problems.
- Blood Tests: Tests of the blood can help figure out how well important organs like the liver and kidneys are working.
- Supportive Care: More supportive care may be needed depending on how bad the dog’s symptoms are and how sick it is overall. This can include medicines to ease symptoms, help with nutrition, and other actions.
It is important to remember that the outcome of crabapple poisoning depends on how much was eaten, what parts of the crabapple were eaten, and how quickly treatment is started. With prompt and appropriate care, many dogs can make a full recovery.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Crabapples?
Concern can grow when you find out that your dog has eaten crabapples, especially since the seeds, stems, and leaves of the tree could be harmful. The crabapple flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but the other parts contain cyanogenic glycosides that can turn into cyanide when eaten. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find your dog indulging in crabapples:
- Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help the situation. Take a deep breath and think about what’s going on before you act.
- Find Out How Much and What Parts Were Eaten: Look to see how much your dog has eaten and, if you can, figure out what parts of the crabapple they’ve eaten. The seeds, stems, or leaves are more important than the flesh.
- Watch for Signs: If someone is poisoned with cyanide, they may have trouble breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and a fast heart rate. It’s important to act quickly if any of these signs show up.
- Talk to Your Veterinarian: You should call your vet and explain what’s going on, even if your dog seems fine. They will be able to tell you if you need to bring your dog in for an exam or treatment.
- Keep Crabapples Out of Reach: To keep this from happening again, keep your dog away from crabapples and their fallen parts. Check your yard often for dropped fruit, especially when crabapples are in season.
Crabapple flesh might not be dangerous to eat once in a while, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Being proactive, informed, and ready can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your dog’s health and safety.
Can Dogs Eat Apples (7 Benefits and How Much?)
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats crabapples?
Can animals eat crab apples?
Are there poisonous crab apples?
Are apple trees toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat crab apples?
It is a sad fact that dogs can be poisoned by eating crab apples. The poisonous substance in these types of fruit is called amygdalin, which is converted into cyanide in the body. Once the amygdalin has been ingested, it will be metabolized by your pooch into cyanide, a dangerous poison that can cause severe side effects in your dog.
Do crab apples give Dogs diarrhea?
Yes, crab apples do give dogs diarrhea. Crab apples are a type of apple that is poisonous to dogs, and can cause diarrhea and vomiting in pets who eat them. The reason they’re called crab apples is because they’re small and misshapen in appearance, which is how they got their name. Do Dogs Recover From Crab Apple Poisoning?
Can dogs recover from crab apple poisoning?
Dogs can recover from crab apple poisoning. They just have to get to a vet quickly and have the poison removed from their system. Crab apple poisoning is caused by the cyanide in the fruit, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your dog has been poisoned by a crab apple, you should seek medical assistance right away.
How do you know if a dog eats crab apples?
2. Monitor Symptoms: If you suspect or discover that your dog has consumed crab apples, keep a close eye on their behavior and physical condition. Common signs of potential poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling excessively, abdominal discomfort or pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, tremors, or even collapse.