Avocados have gained popularity in recent years in the healthy food industry. As with many popular health foods, dog owners wonder if this is good for their dogs. There is a lot of conflicting information out there.
It's unlikely that a little avocado meat could cause a problem, yet there're some of risks you should be aware of.
You have heard before of the benefits avocadoes have to offer. They're high content of “good” fats, which can lower cholesterol. Avocadoes are also rich in potassium, antioxidants, and digestible fiber.
The ripe, green fruit contains many useful nutrients that can give dogs a healthy boost. They are even used in some types of dog food. Avocados are a source of vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as fiber that can help with digestive health. The fatty acids in the avocados are good for hair. Folate, niacin, potassium, and even antioxidants can help fight disease and cancer.
Even though avocados are great for humans, are they good for our dogs? There are a few risks to consider:
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The danger is in the pit, leaves and skin
These 3 components of the avocado have high concentrations of Persin toxin. Avocados have fiber and fat that containx a fungicidal compound called persin. This toxin can be found in almost all parts of the avocado plant. This includes the avocado stone, the leaves, the skin, the stems and even the flesh. Not all dogs respond to food in the same way, so one dog can eat avocados well while others don't. Horses, birds, and guinea pigs are sensitive to parsley and avocados, and are dangerous to these pets. But, the highest concentration of persin is in the pit, leaves and skin. We're unaware of the amount in the meat, but it's small enough to be safe for humans and in some instances in dogs. Your dog's symptoms of eating greasy foods can range from a mild case of runny stools to vomiting and lack of food. If your dog has intolerance to avocados, he may suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder or even pancreatitis. Your dog may feel alright eating small amounts of avocado, but don’t forget, he can gain weight due to the fat.
The pit poses a risk of choking
Avocado pits could be dangerous if your dog eats a whole avocado. He can choke or the pit could clog your dog’s body. This will need veterinary attention. If you catch this early on, and the pit is still in your dog’s stomach, your vet can remove it by endoscopy. With a camera passed through your dog's esophagus, your vet will be able to see where the pit is located and remove it. But, if the pit has passed into your dog's intestinal tract, more invasive surgery may be needed to remove it.
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Avoid giving your dog guacamole
Don't feed your dog guacamole. There're extra ingredients you may add to make that delicious appetizer. Guacamole contains garlic, onions, tomatoes and salt. All these ingredients can be dangerous to your dogs for a variety of reasons.
Garlic and onions can cause gastrointestinal upset in small amounts. And anemia in larger amounts.
A ripe red tomato isn't harmful for your dog. Unripe tomatoes and all green leaves and stems associated with the plant are toxic. If your dog eats unripe tomatoes these are the issues that may occur:
General gastrointestinal upset
Muscle weakness
Loss of coordination
Tremors
Seizures
Salt can upset your dog's electrolyte balance, causing something called hypernatremia. This means that there is too much sodium in your dog's blood. This can have harmful, sometimes even fatal. The muscles in your dog's body (including their heart) use sodium to function.
What should you do if your dog eats an avocado/avocados without you seeing him?
If your dog eats an avocado, but you aren't sure if he has swallowed the skin, leaves or bones, seek veterinary help. Your dog may only have an upset stomach. But please consult with your veterinarian to avoid any complications.
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