12.12.22

Can dogs eat avocado? Everything you need to know

Can dogs eat avocado?

No, dogs should not eat avocado. There is a chance that your dog could become seriously ill from eating avocado.

 

Is avocado good for dogs?

No, avocado is not good for dogs. This is because all parts of the avocado plant – the flesh, pit, skin, leaves, and the actual plant – contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause serious health problems, and even death, in many animals.

Additionally avocado flesh has a high fat content that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much, and because it’s calorie-dense, it can also lead to weight gain. Another concern is the pit at the center of the fruit, which if swallowed can easily cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

 

Can avocado kill a dog?

Although rare, it is possible that avocado can kill a dog if a large quantity is eaten. However, don’t panic if your dog accidentally eats a small amount of avocado flesh, as the flesh itself is only mildly toxic for dogs.

While all parts of the avocado are potentially poisonous and best avoided, the skin and leaves contain the highest amount of persin. Unripe avocados contain a much higher concentration of persin than ripe avocados, but exactly what quantity of persin is lethal isn’t known.

 

Signs of avocado ingestion

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach upset
  • Decreased appetite
  • Myocardial (heart) damage
  • Choking (if the pit is eaten)

 

Animal Poisons Helpline dog cat pet poisoning help

 

The risks of dogs eating avocado

According to the Animal Poisons Helpline, ingestion of avocado can result in gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious poisoning in dogs is rare; however, some other animals are much more susceptible to toxicity.

 

What to do if your dog eats avocado

  • If your dog eats a small amount of avocado flesh, look out for any signs and symptoms described above, and call your vet if any appear within 24 to 48 hours.
  • If your dog eats any amount of avocado skin, monitor closely for any signs and symptoms and call your vet for further advice.
  • If your dog consumes an avocado pit, contact your vet immediately, because of the risk of choking and/or intestinal blockage.

 

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A pet insurance policy with Bow Wow Meow will help ensure you can always afford to give your pet the best treatment, whatever your budget.

 

 

      

This article is written by

Nicky Klugman

Nicky is our Marketing Communications and Content Specialist. She is an animal-lover who is particularly interested in animal behaviour and the relationships between humans and their pets. While growing up, dogs were always an integral part of the family. Nicky is mum to three human sons and a rescue pup called Dobby.

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*Please note, any pet insurance advice provided is general only. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover.
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