Avocado's bad reputation comes mostly from other species. Persin causes heart and respiratory damage in birds and mastitis in some grazing animals, but veterinary references describe dogs as comparatively resistant, and cases of true avocado poisoning in dogs are rare. That said, "resistant" is not "immune," and there is no reason to make avocado a regular treat.
The two practical hazards are mechanical and digestive. The pit is exactly the wrong size and slipperiness: it can lodge in the throat, stomach, or intestine and may require surgery to remove. And avocado flesh is rich in fat, so a dog that eats a lot of it — or gets into guacamole, which usually also contains onion and garlic — can end up with vomiting, diarrhea, or in fat-sensitive dogs, pancreatitis. If your dog swallowed a pit or ate a large amount, call your vet.
Sources
- Avocado Toxicosis in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.