Prickly Pears should not be eaten by dogs or puppies. In this article we will go into all of the details of prickly pears and what to do if your pup has eaten some.
What Are Prickly Pears?
Prickly pears belong to the cactus family and are the most widely cultivated species in the world.
The fruit of this plant is called a prickly pear. It has a long, tapered shape with a bright yellow exterior and red interior.
Where Are Prickly Pears From?
Prickly pears are native to North America, but they are now grown in many other regions around the world. They grow primarily in semi-arid climates that have hot summers and cool winters with rainfall between 25 and 150 cm annually.
They can be found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Florida.
Types Of Prickly Pears
There are three types of prickly pears:
1. Opuntia stricta
2. Opuntia polyacantha
3. Opuntia engelmannii
The first type has yellow flowers, and the fruit is a little larger than the other two types. The second type has red flowers and very small fruit that is not edible, while the third type has purple flowers and edible fruit that is smaller than the first type but bigger than the second type.
Can Your Dog Eat Prickly Pear?
The answer is that it depends on the type of prickly pear you have. Some types of prickly pears are safe to eat by humans and dogs alike. Others should not be consumed by either species because they contain a chemical called hydrocyanic acid, which is also called prussic acid or cyanide.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Prickly Pear?
The first thing to do is to assess the situation. If the dog has eaten a small amount of prickly pear, it is not a problem and the dog will pass it through their system. However, if they have eaten a large quantity of prickly pear, then you should take them to the vet for treatment.
It is important to know that dogs cannot vomit and so if they eat too much prickly pear, they can become very sick or even die.
Can Your Puppies Eat Prickly Pear?
Prickly pears are a cactus that produce fruit which humans can eat, but it is not the best thing to feed your dog as it can be toxic to them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prickly pear is a cactus that has edible fruit. It is not the best thing to feed your dog because it can be toxic to them.