Forget pumpkin, fall is all about the persimmons. The two most common varieties of persimmons you can find in the US are hachiya and fuyu, these are both Japanese persimmons. The hachiya persimmon is acorn-ish shaped and must be ripe before eaten. As this variety ripens the skin becomes more translucent and softens. The fuyu resembles a tomato that is golden to dark orange-red in color. Fuyu can be eaten both ripe and more firm. Now that you know what you’re grabbing at the store, can you offer some to your pup?

Yes, with the proper preparation persimmons in moderation are okay for dogs. Never give a full persimmon to your dog. Cut the fruit and remove the pit and the seeds. While neither are toxic the seeds and pit pose choking hazards and internal blockage risks. 

If your dog has eaten an entire persimmon, monitor your dog for internal blockage symptoms which include drooling, lethargy, lost appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, strained bowel movements. If any of these symptoms arise, contact your vet immediately. 

Also it is best to cut the persimmon flesh into small bites for your dog to avoid choking concerns.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping your pup healthy.