Avocado is toxic to both dogs and cats and should be kept well out of reach of all pets. Even small amounts can cause adverse reactions in some animals.
Avocado contains persin, a toxin that is seriously dangerous to birds, rabbits, horses and livestock. Dogs and cats are much less sensitive: a little avocado flesh usually causes, at worst, an upset stomach. The bigger risks are the stone, which can choke a pet or block its intestine, and the high fat content, which can trigger pancreatitis. Guacamole also contains onion and garlic, which are toxic in their own right.
Eating the flesh can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If the stone was swallowed, watch for repeated vomiting or retching, refusing food, straining to pass stools, and a painful or swollen belly. Pancreatitis causes vomiting, belly pain, a hunched posture and lethargy, usually within a day or two of a fatty meal.
If your pet ate a little flesh and seems well, make sure it has water and watch it for 24 hours. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea continues. If it swallowed the stone, chewed a large piece of skin or ate guacamole, call your vet straight away, because a blockage may need to be removed. If you keep birds or rabbits and they've eaten avocado, contact an avian or exotics vet immediately.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy