Is Avocado toxic to dogs and cats?
Persea americana · Lauraceae
Yes — Avocado is toxic to pets (critical). Birds — can be fatal. Also rabbits and horses; dogs and cats are far less sensitive.
Choose your pet
Why it is toxic
Persin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and pit
How fast symptoms appear: Birds: hours, sometimes sudden, with death possible in 24–48 hours
Symptoms of poisoning
- Birds: laboured breathing
- Birds: fluffed, weak, unwilling to perch
- Birds: sudden death from heart muscle damage
- Dogs and cats: vomiting and diarrhoea
- Dogs and cats: pancreatitis risk from the fat content
What to do first
- Never offer avocado, in any form, to birds or rabbits.
- Any avian exposure is an emergency — call an avian vet immediately.
- For dogs and cats, watch for repeated vomiting and call your vet if it persists.
What your vet will do
Birds: oxygen support, treatment of fluid around the heart and lungs, and supportive care; prognosis is often poor. Mammals: supportive stomach care and monitoring for pancreatitis.
Not sure what plant you have? Snap a photo and get a verdict for your own pet.
Check my plant freeSources: Pet Poison Helpline; Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.