Poisonous plant?

AnthonyR

I caught my dog nibbling away at the pyrocanthus berries today. It's been a great year for all fruits and there are plenty of them down at his level. I've been told that they're poisonous to dogs, but I can't find anything definitive. Has anyone else seen their dog doing this, and if so, were there any ill effects?

sheramber

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/plantox/detail.cfm?id=1349

The seeds in the berries contain a small amount of a cyanide like compound the same a apple pips and other seeds in fruits

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/oct/11/cyanide-in-fruit-seeds-how-dangerous-is-an-apple

Fire_Fox

There is an ASPCA database online which seems comprehensive. Ideally type in Latin names not common names, because the latter vary.

Mojisola

A study of dogs and other mammals found that the animals readily swallowed large amounts of berries when offered and did not show any signs of toxicity.
https://www.poison.org/articles/are-pyracantha-berries-poisonous-183

AnthonyR

Thank you, sheramber, Fire Fox and Mojisola for your informative replies. I've read the links you posted and it would seem that there's little danger in a dog just nibbling as mine was. On experiment had them fed 300 gms per day over a period and they showed no ill effects. So then, I'll not fret too much when I see him around the bush in the future. Thanks again, all.