Avocado: A Fruit Containing a Toxin Harmful to Many Animals
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, found in the fruit’s flesh, pit, leaves, and stem. While dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, large amounts can still cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. The high-fat content is also a concern, as it can lead to pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. The greatest danger for dogs, however, is the large, dense pit. If swallowed, the pit can become a choking hazard or cause a life-threatening blockage in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, which often requires emergency surgery to remove. Symptoms of an obstruction include persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Due to these risks, it is safest to prevent your dog from consuming any part of an avocado. If ingestion occurs, especially of the pit, contact your veterinarian immediately.