If you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering if it’s okay to give your furry friend some avocado. After all, it’s a superfood for humans, so it must be good for dogs too, right? Wrong. In fact, avocado is one of the few human foods that can be dangerous for dogs to consume. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs can’t have avocados and what you should do if your dog accidentally eats some. The attribution for this article belongs to SecreThomeRemedies
What’s in Avocado That’s Harmful to Dogs?
The flesh of the avocado itself is not toxic to dogs. However, the skin, pit, and leaves of the avocado contain persin, a substance that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Persin is an oil-soluble compound that can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Check out the Avocado Nutrition Facts
What Are the Symptoms of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs?
If your dog eats a small amount of avocado, it may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if they consume a large amount, they may begin to exhibit the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, neck, or limbs
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog after they have eaten avocado, you should contact your veterinarian right away.
How many avocados Can Dogs Safely Eat?
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid giving your dog avocado altogether. Even a small amount can cause stomach upset, and a large amount can be potentially life-threatening. If your dog accidentally eats a small piece of avocado, it will likely be okay, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and monitor them closely for any signs of distress.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Avocado?
If your dog has eaten avocado, the first thing you should do is determine how much they consumed. If they only had a small bite or two, they will likely be fine. However, if they ate a significant amount, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting to remove any remaining avocado from your dog’s stomach. They may also recommend treatment to manage any symptoms of avocado poisoning, such as stomach upset or difficulty breathing.
What Other Foods Should You Avoid Giving Your Dog?
Avocado is just one of many human foods that can be harmful to dogs. Some other foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
If you’re unsure whether a particular food is safe for your dog to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them.
Conclusion
While avocado is a healthy food for humans, it’s best to avoid giving it to your furry friend. The person found in avocado can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs, and large amounts can be potentially life-threatening. If your dog accidentally eats avocado, contact your veterinarian right away.
