Food
Avocado
Emergency for birds. Dogs and cats are less sensitive but the stone is a serious obstruction risk.
SevereBirdsRabbitsGuinea pigsHorses
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Remove all avocado from reach
- 2.Contact an avian or exotics vet immediately for birds
- 3.Watch dogs for signs of obstruction if a stone was swallowed
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing in birds
- Sudden death in small birds
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Fluid accumulation around the heart
Details
- Category
- Food
- Toxicity
- Severe
- Species affected
- Birds, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Horses
- Routes of exposure
- Eating flesh, skin, leaves or the stone
- Urgency
- Emergency for birds. Dogs and cats are less sensitive but the stone is a serious obstruction risk.
Veterinary notes and prevention
The toxin persin causes myocardial necrosis in susceptible species. Keep avocado, including guacamole, entirely away from birds and small herbivores.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Avocado, report the exposure route: Eating flesh, skin, leaves or the stone. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.