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What is Avocado Poisoning?
There are certain types of avocado that are known to be poisonous due to the amount of persin in the avocado leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit. Studies have been conducted that show that avocado is not highly toxic to dogs; however, if a dog were to ingest the seed of an avocado, it could cause illness. Avocado pits can cause blockages within the gastrointestinal tract and different varieties of avocado have varying amounts of persin. Avocado is highly toxic to horses, goats, birds, and cattle, and with dogs, depending on the amount they consume, can end up with an upset stomach. The most toxic portion of an avocado is the leaf.
Avocado poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs ingest the pit of an avocado. The avocado pit contains a poisonous substance called persin, and, when ingested, can cause dogs to become ill. The avocado is highly toxic, with the leaf being of most danger.
Avocado Poisoning Average Cost
From 50 quotes ranging from $100 - $1,500
Average Cost
$200
Symptoms of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
Avocado is not highly toxic to dogs; however, after consuming parts of an avocado your dog may develop specific symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty with producing stools
Types
Illness from eating an avocado may be confused with other conditions, especially if there is no evidence of avocado consumption. Differential diagnoses are:
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Selenium deficiency
- Cardiomyopathy
- Infectious myocarditis
- Infections causing mastitis
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Causes of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
The cause of illness from ingesting avocado comes from the dog consuming the fruit, pit, stem or the leaves. Canines are thought to be relatively resistant to the poisonous effects of avocado, though there have been a few cases of toxicity documented. The consumption of large amounts will cause gastrointestinal irritation, and the pit of the avocado presents a danger due to the size, which can lead to an obstruction if swallowed. Many other mammals will suffer myocardial necrosis and lactation issues as a result of ingesting an avocado.
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Diagnosis of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
If you know that your dog has consumed avocado, call your veterinarian. Once you get to the veterinarian, he will check your dog for any clinical signs of distress and do a physical examination. The veterinarian may choose to do a urinalysis, blood work, and biochemistry profile, simply to check your dog’s system to make sure of the amount, if any, of abnormalities.
A definitive diagnosis of avocado poisoning is made by the veterinarian by looking at your dog’s symptoms and having knowledge of exposure and consumption of avocado. If your dog is a female and is lactating, mastitis may occur within one full day of the ingestion of the avocado and milk production may significantly decrease. The mammary glands become very swollen and hard and may produce abnormal-looking milk.
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Treatment of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
Since the degree of toxicity of avocados to dogs is quite debatable, the veterinarian will be the one to make the expert decisions concerning treatment. If the dog has ingested the avocado pit and it is lodged in his GI tract, the veterinarian will need to use an endoscope to locate the pit and remove it. As for side effects from the persin, treatment methods may include:
Analgesics
If your dog is a lactating female and is showing signs of mastitis, the veterinarian will prescribe pain medication and analgesics to help with the pain and swelling.
Drugs
If by chance your dog ingested enough avocado to affect the heart, the veterinarian may prescribe diuretics or antiarrhythmic drugs.
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Recovery of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
Prognosis is considered good in many cases of avocado consumption. Once your dog is treated, he will more than likely recover just fine. In terms of a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract from the pit, this depends on the severity of blockage in the recovery from surgery to remove the pit. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for at-home recovery. The veterinarian will explain to you how to administer any analgesics or other medications, and will let you know of any side effects from these drugs. If any new symptoms occur or if you have any questions, it is important to contact the physician.
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Avocado Poisoning Average Cost
From 50 quotes ranging from $100 - $1,500
Average Cost
$200
Top
Avocado Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Poole schnoodle
One Year
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None
Might have eaten 1/2 avocado pit
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your dog is okay, there is always a concern for an obstruction with a large object like that. If she is vomiting or having diarrhea, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Boxer
Seven Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None At This Time
Ate 3 Avocados
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. There is a risk of intestinal blockage with 3 avocados. If he is having any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Golden German Shepard
Five Months
Unknown severity
13 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None So Far
My dog ate about a tablespoon of avocado fruit, no skin, no pit, just fruit. Do I need to be concerned about anything serious enough to warrant a vet visit?
Aug. 4, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That small amount of avocado without the pit should not cause any toxicity for your dog. I Hope that all goes well for him/her!
Aug. 4, 2020
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Multi Poo
Ten Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None
My dog ate the tiniest piece of avocado I left on the plate. Probably like a pinch size. Will she be ok? That’s all she ate. not the seed or the outer part of an avocado
July 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
4 Recommendations
hello, Most likely your dog will be just fine. If you notice vomiting or diarrhea, it would be best to see your vet but with such a small amount most dogs are okay.
July 28, 2020
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Chiweenie
10 weeks
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None
I gave my 2.5 lbs chiweenie a small piece of avacodo- I want to make sure she is going to be ok
July 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, Depending on how much your dog ate this could cause a lot of issues. If she is showing any signs such as vomiting, lethargy, not eating or diarrhea, I would take her to the vet. I hope your puppy starts to feel better soon
July 26, 2020
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Walker
Pit bull mix
3 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Growling
Sort Of Heavy Breathing
Gagged Once
My dog swallowed an avocado pit whole, he growled at me while petting him and gagged once. I am not sure what to do, and the vet is not open right now. Right looks like he is asleep, he is snoring which is normal and there does not seem to be any heavy breathing more than usual. He almost does sound a little bit wheezy but I think that he normally sounds like that while sleeping, also I did not give pit to him he got it. Also he ate a small part of the skin, but not any of the green part from inside. I hope that someone can help me with this,and also thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope I can find out how to help him.
Duke
Chihuahua
2 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Throwing Up
So I was eating avocado and then I threw the rest away and I think maybe a little bit fell out but I don’t know and then I was training my dog and feeding him some of his food pellets about 20 throughout his training sessions and then he started throwing up and when I looked at his puke it looks like there is some little avocado chunks in it but I don’t know and I was just wondering if I should take him to the vet or not or just watch him because I’d rather not take him to the vet. He threw up about 30 minutes ago but he seems like he’s doing fine now. He weighs about 6-7 pound
Ike
Catahoula mix
1 Year
Serious severity
1 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
Ike ate bag of unripe avocados(5)from counter. He ate skin and seed included. I found 2 whole seeds on the floor and let him vomit 1 more seed. he seem fine next morning (his stool looked normal with some avocado skin init)so, I fed him his normal meal. but around 6pm, he vomited 4-times. (I did not find any avocado in it)I am withholding his food now but if he keep vomiting, I will take him to vet tomorrow.
Rusty
Shepherd
1 Year
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
My 1 year old mix breed, got into the garbage and was caught chewing on avacado skin. I’ m not sur how much he ate or if he also ate the pit. However he is now thrown up twice since and his belly is very tender. He seems to drink fine but is eating very little. Is there something that I can give him to help if he did ingest the pit to help it along so he can pass it? He is about 50 lbs.
Avocado Poisoning Average Cost
From 50 quotes ranging from $100 - $1,500
Average Cost
$200
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