Avocado
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This toxin is considered to be a moderate risk. However, your pet's medical history, age, weight, and breed could put him/her at higher risk. It is advised that you contact whiskerDocs or your primary veterinarian for further guidance about any steps you may need to take to ensure your pet's safety. If you choose to, you may monitor your pet closely, but the onset or worsening of any of the below symptoms warrants a trip to the emergency room.
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Avocados may be delicious for us to eat in many forms, however this yummy fruit for people should never be shared with our furry best friend. Not only is the avocado fruit itself potentially poisonous, but the leaves, pit, and avocado plant all can be toxic. The toxin reponsible for all this concern is called persin. Persin has been known to cause fluid build up in the chest, lungs, and around the heart, leading to difficult breathing and eventually death. Fluid can also increase in the abdominal area and pancreas. While these signs are most commonly seen in birds, our cat and dog friends can also potentially be affected as well. The most common symptoms seen with dogs and cats are vomiting and diarrhea, and there is a huge concern of the pit causing irritation and possible blockage in the stomach and intestines. In addition, the avocado's high fat content can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. It is unknown at what point avocados become dangeous to dogs and cats, therefore avoiding ingestion at all is highly recommended.