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Pet safety

Is Avocado toxic to dogs?

Persea americana

Toxic to dogs

Yes — avocado is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Persea americana as toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and especially birds and ruminants, due to persin. Leaves, bark, seed, and skin are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk for dogs and cats but unsafe for birds and rabbits.

What to do if your dog ate avocado

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move avocado out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of avocado to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten avocado, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is avocado toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is avocado toxic to dogs?

Yes — avocado is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Persea americana as toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and especially birds and ruminants, due to persin. Leaves, bark, seed, and skin are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk for dogs and cats but unsafe for birds and rabbits.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats avocado?

ASPCA lists Persea americana as toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and especially birds and ruminants, due to persin. Leaves, bark, seed, and skin are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk for dogs and cats but unsafe for birds and rabbits. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to avocado.

What should I do if my dog ate avocado?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is avocado toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Avocado is toxic to cats as well. See the full avocado pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to avocado?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full avocado pet-safety