Pet Parenting - Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Is It Bad or Good for Them?
Can dogs eat avocado?
Dogs are more resistant to the toxic aspect of avocados (persin) than most other mammals, but it can still cause gastrointestinal upset (upset stomach). Eating the leaves and skin of the fruit can increase the amount of persin ingested, and the avocado pit can be a choking hazard.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Final say:
It's better to be safe than sorry. Avoid giving your dog avocado and try to make sure avocado trees are not within reach in your backyard and the surrounding property where your dog roams.
If your dog does ingest some avocado, they will most likely be fine. Only two dogs from an old case report were reported developing myocardial damage from avocado ingestion. Thus, dogs are relatively resistant to persin compared to other mammals, which have much more intense reactions.
Still, make sure to monitor your pup after they have ingested avocado. And if you're feeling worried, don't hesitate to give your vet a call to make sure they will be alright.
Want to know more? Here's the longer answer:
The Longer Answer
Avocados have been eaten safely by humans for thousands of years, but they can reek havoc on many mammal's intestinal systems.
Animals like cattle, goats, horses, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and fish are susceptible to myocardial damage through avocado ingestion. But what is causing this?
It's a toxin present in avocados called persin.
Persin is a fungicidal toxin that doesn't harm humans (unless you are allergic) but can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities by certain animals.
Symptoms can include increased heart rate, myocardial tissue damage, weakness, asphyxia, mastitis, and death in some species.
However, as far as we know, symptoms in cats and dogs rarely get worse than an upset stomach.
Still, when it comes to your pet, it's better to be safe than sorry.
How to Keep Avocados Away From Your Dog
Dogs are opportunistic creatures, especially when it comes to anything edible.
If avocados are in their radius, you can bet they will do their best to eat them. To keep your pup from ingesting avo, follow these basic tips:
- - Make sure your trash can is out of their reach
- - Remove any avocado trees from your property, and make sure there are none reaching over the fence-
- - When out for a walk, keep an eye on your pup to see what they might be chewing on
- - Make sure guests know not to feed any avocado or avocado-containing products (like guacamole) to your dog
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to whether or not your dog can have avocados, the answer is they will probably be fine, but it's best not to take the risk.
Do your best to prevent your dog from ingesting any avocado, and you most likely won't have to worry if they will have a negative reaction to it.