Dogs and Native Fruits

TK-42-1 · August 2009

I have a Texas Persimmon tree in my back yard. Lately, my dogs have shown a pretty intense desire to eat the fruits that have been dropping over the last month or so. I would think that if the plant was actually harmful to them I would have seen signs by now. However, every time they've been out eating them I can tell they are on a kind of high or something. Almost like when you give little kids sugar. They are just up and having a good time.

My question is: Does anyone know of a place to find out if this is harmful or addictive to dogs? Should I go out and harvest the tree of fruit so they cant get any? My google-fu has failed me.

NightDragon · August 2009

It looks like they could potentially get diarrhea from the fruit, or an intestinal obstruction from the seeds.

Source: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

Aside from that, it doesn't seem especially harmful.

Gaffer · August 2009

This is probably too specific to be included on a list of pet poisons (chocolate, antifreeze, etc.) You could try contacting your vet about it, though he/she probably won't know off the top of his/her head. More than likely your vet will do a bit of digging and get you an answer of you'll be given a contact to try. Have you considered contacting "doggy" poison control? No idea where you might find a number for that, though I'm certain they exist.

Good to see you're thinking about your animals (future vet here I hope.)

Edit: NightDragon's list was sort of what I was referring to at the top of my post. Didn't realize it covered as much as it did. Couldn't hurt to do a follow-up with a poison control if you're concerned how the persimmon is being metabolized by your dog though.

TK-42-1 · August 2009

What made me worry is that when I'm picking up their poop out of the back I noticed that it was darker than normal and had the seeds in it. On top of that with their sugar-rush behavior i just wanted to make sure it wasn't poisonous.

I'm no future vet, but I do love my dogs. They've basically our kids. Both are rescues and we couldn't be happier with them. (except one of them ate my vintage tusken raider figurine today X()

Thanks for that link. It's pretty awesome.

Improvolone · August 2009

Vets (well, the receptionists who are pretty good) are pretty good at talking to people for free

Gaffer · August 2009

TK-42-1 wrote: »

I'm no future vet, but I do love my dogs.

I was trying to be self referential, but apparently spending all day living/working on a farm drains one's ability to use clear punctuation.

If you're concerned about stool, consider bringing a fresh sample to your vet and have them eyeball it. If they're worth their salt, they'll take a few minutes and discuss the problem at no charge (especially if you come in and get your nails trimmed at the same time.) I don't know how helpful you may find receptionists. At the clinic where I spent some time learning the ropes, the doctor/techs handled the phone and were usually good about dispensing advice when they had a free moment (especially to their clients/ potential clients.) These are the people I'd focus on talking to for the best answers anyways.

Good luck!

mts · August 2009

the poop is dark and seedy since it is probably ful of dark and seedy fruit.

i would do your best to limit their intake but its probably not poisonous and more so to avoid diarhea

Kakodaimonos · August 2009

Hmm. Is it a true texas persimmon or a black persimmon? Texas persimmons are nasty and only somewhat edible. You can eat the fruits, but they are really, really acidic and will make you puke if you eat enough of them. It's not fatal, but keep the fruit cleaned up so they don't eat it.

Black persimmons are tasty treats when they're ripe.

Kivutar · August 2009

Kakodaimonos wrote: »

Hmm. Is it a true texas persimmon or a black persimmon? Texas persimmons are nasty and only somewhat edible. You can eat the fruits, but they are really, really acidic and will make you puke if you eat enough of them. It's not fatal, but keep the fruit cleaned up so they don't eat it.

Black persimmons are tasty treats when they're ripe.

The link given in the OP points to a black persimmon.

Dman · August 2009

Texas persimmon fruit is edible and used in puddings and custards. The
fruit pulp produces an indelible black stain. Mexicans use it to dye
animal hides [30,34,41].

Wildlife use Texas persimmon for food, shelter, and cover. Coyote,
raccoon, ringtail, foxes, and other mammals and birds eat the fruit
[1,14].

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/diotex/all.html

If humans and coyote's can eat it your dogs should be fine.

seasleepy · August 2009

I don't know if this is even reasonable for the kind of fruit it is or how long it was on the ground, but is it possible the fruit had fermented? That could explain odd behavior in your dogs. (Also, if this is the case, you probably should try to keep them from getting at it since there could be bacterial nasties in there.)

EskimoDave · August 2009

seasleepy wrote: »

I don't know if this is even reasonable for the kind of fruit it is or how long it was on the ground, but is it possible the fruit had fermented? That could explain odd behavior in your dogs. (Also, if this is the case, you probably should try to keep them from getting at it since there could be bacterial nasties in there.)

thats what I was thinking. Your dog is getting drunk.

I had a friend in a high school who had birds get drunk of the cherries in front yard.

Penny Arcade

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