Although, technically, a small amount of avocado is not likely to seriously harm your pet, it’s not recommended as parts of the avocado—specifically, the skin, pit, and leaves—contain a toxin called persin, which if ingested in small amounts can make animals very sick. Dog owners be very aware of avocado pits as they are highly toxic and a choking hazard.
Signs of illness from persin toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Changes in breathing
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources* listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661