Is Avocado Toxic to Pets?
Yes — avocado is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — avocado is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — avocado is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Persea americana
- Toxic compound
- Persin
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, bark, skin and pit; less in the flesh
- Also known as
- guacamole, avocado pit
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate avocado
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate avocado
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate avocado
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
For cats and dogs the bigger risks are stomach upset and the pit causing a blockage. Horses (and birds) are far more sensitive to persin.
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Frequently asked questions
Is avocado toxic to cats?
Yes — avocado is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is avocado toxic to dogs?
Yes — avocado is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is avocado toxic to horses?
Yes — avocado is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of avocado are toxic?
Leaves, bark, skin and pit; less in the flesh.
What makes avocado toxic?
Persin.
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