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Avocado

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Avocado — toxicity in dogs and cats

Monitor at homeApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Avocados contain a compound called persin, which is mildly toxic to dogs and cats but far more dangerous to birds, horses, and ruminants. For dogs and cats, eating avocado flesh typically causes only mild gastrointestinal upset. The bigger risks are the high fat content - which can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible pets - and the large pit, which is a serious choking and intestinal obstruction hazard. If your dog swallowed an avocado pit whole, contact your vet regardless of whether symptoms appear, as a bowel obstruction can develop over 24-72 hours.

Symptoms

Vomiting, diarrhea

Typical onset

12-24 hours

What to do

Monitor at home. The pit is a choking/obstruction hazard. Toxicity is generally mild in dogs and cats.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Avocados contain a compound called persin, which is mildly toxic to dogs and cats but far more dangerous to birds, horses, and ruminants. For dogs and cats, eating avocado flesh typically causes only mild gastrointestinal upset. The bigger risks are the high fat content - which can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible pets - and the large pit, which is a serious choking and intestinal obstruction hazard. If your dog swallowed an avocado pit whole, contact your vet regardless of whether symptoms appear, as a bowel obstruction can develop over 24-72 hours.

Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea
Onset
12-24 hours
Recommended next step
Monitor at home. The pit is a choking/obstruction hazard. Toxicity is generally mild in dogs and cats.
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.