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Pears are healthy fruits and are a great option for anyone allergic to apples! If you love pears and have a dog, chances are he expects his fair share when you’re enjoying one of these yummy fruits! But what happens if your canine companion gets a hold of the pear core? Can pear core make your dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a pear core? Are you worried the pear core will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about pear cores and whether they can be harmful to a dog. Let’s get started!
What are Pears & Pear Cores?
Pears are similar to apples, but they are green and have a slightly figure 8-shape (called a pear shape). The pear skin is usually green, though it may also include red or gold coloring. The fruit’s flesh is similar to an apple’s but has a different flavor. Pears have been described as mild, fibrous fruits.
This fruit comes in broad range of varieties, and they’re very healthy. Pears contain antioxidants, dietary fiber, and plenty of valuable nutrients. Each pear has about 100 calories, and they’re fat- and cholesterol-free.
Like apples, pears have a core where the fruit’s seed is stored. The core is edible; however, the texture of this part of the pear is thick and dry. The core is also difficult to digest.
Pears are also safe for dogs! But what about the pear core? Can a pear core make a dog sick?
Pear Cores & Dogs
While pear cores are edible, they’re not safe for dogs. For one thing, the core is thick. It’s also difficult to digest. The core also contains pear seeds containing a tiny amount of cyanide. Cyanide is a poison that can kill dogs; however, a dog would have to eat many pear cores and seeds to get enough cyanide for a toxic dose.
It’s also possible that a pear core could become a choking hazard in a dog if the core is not well-chewed. It could become lodged in the dog’s throat.
The main issue is that the core could create an obstruction in the dog’s digestive tract. This can happen anywhere between the stomach and the intestines. The obstruction can cause a life-threatening emergency if it’s not treated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten one or more pear cores:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Pear Core Ingestion in Dogs
Depending on where the obstruction is located, the vet may try to remove it with an endoscopic procedure. However, if the pear core obstruction is in the intestines, the vet will need to perform surgery. The obstruction must be removed, or it could cause death.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment. And if your dog loves pear cores, it’s a good idea to keep these out of his reach. You may also want to consider investing in a dog-proof wastebasket to ensure your fur baby can’t get at pear cores or other yummies in the trash!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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