Avocados should not be fed to dogs. They are dangerous for two reasons: a chemical it contains — persin — can cause stomach upset in some animals, but the true culprit is the large seed. It can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract if ingested, which can be life-threatening. It’s best to steer clear.
Persin is found in the whole fruit, the seed, the leaves and the bark, so dogs should avoid avocados in the kitchen or avocado plants in the backyard. Symptoms from eating persin include an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog is experiencing extreme symptoms, call the pet poison hotline at 800-213-6680.
Similar to any small or large foreign object that is ingested, the large round seed of an avocado is dangerous for dogs. Just check out Wagner’s story where it took a few weeks for symptoms to show, and Wagner needed emergency surgery to remove the pit. If you think your dog swallowed a seed, visit your veterinarian.
Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs.
