Pet safety
Is Reed Avocado toxic to dogs?
Persea americana 'Reed'
Yes — reed 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. Avocado (Persea americana) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic, with the toxic principle persin, and is specifically named toxic to horses (respiratory distress, heart failure, oedema). Persin causes GI upset in dogs and cats and is severe or fatal in birds, rabbits and ruminants. Keep all parts — leaves, fruit, skin, bark and pits — away from pets and livestock.
What to do if your dog ate reed avocado
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move reed avocado out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of reed avocado to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten reed avocado, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is reed avocado toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is reed avocado toxic to dogs?
Yes — reed avocado is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Avocado (Persea americana) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic, with the toxic principle persin, and is specifically named toxic to horses (respiratory distress, heart failure, oedema). Persin causes GI upset in dogs and cats and is severe or fatal in birds, rabbits and ruminants. Keep all parts — leaves, fruit, skin, bark and pits — away from pets and livestock.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats reed avocado?
Avocado (Persea americana) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic, with the toxic principle persin, and is specifically named toxic to horses (respiratory distress, heart failure, oedema). Persin causes GI upset in dogs and cats and is severe or fatal in birds, rabbits and ruminants. Keep all parts — leaves, fruit, skin, bark and pits — away from pets and livestock. 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 reed avocado.
What should I do if my dog ate reed 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 reed avocado toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Reed Avocado is toxic to cats as well. See the full reed avocado pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to reed 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 reed avocado pet-safety
- Is reed avocado toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is reed avocado toxic to cats?
- My dog ate reed avocado — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete reed avocado care guide