Why dogs should not have it
Avocado contains persin, a substance that is very harmful to some animals. Dogs are less sensitive to it, and the skin, the stone and the leaves hold more of it than the flesh.
The flesh is very fatty. Fatty food can upset a dog's digestion and, in a sensitive dog, cause inflammation of the pancreas. The large, slippery stone can get stuck in the gullet, stomach or gut. Guacamole contains onion and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs.
Contact a vet if your dog swallowed the stone or, after eating avocado, vomits, has diarrhoea, will not eat or has a painful belly.
What to watch out for
- A swallowed stone can get stuck in the gullet, stomach or gut.
- The fatty flesh can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- In a sensitive dog, fatty food can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
- The skin, stone and leaves hold more persin than the flesh.
- Guacamole and avocado dips contain onion and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
- Watermelon Yes, watermelon is fine for dogs: give small pieces of flesh without seeds or rind, especially as a cooling treat on a hot day. Safe
- Pears Yes, pears are fine for dogs: give small pieces of ripe pear without the core, seeds or stalk. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe