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Our cute furry pets; the loyal and the loving. Yes, we are talking about our very own pups. If you’re a dog parent, you must understand that dogs require more attention and care than humans. You might always find yourself on about their health and most importantly their food intake. Now, talking about food specifically; dogs do love a bit of avocado in their food. But are you worried that your dog ate avocado skin? Keep a watchful eye on your dog if they ate avocado skin. Persin, which is found in avocado skin, can be poisonous to dogs in high concentrations and cause gastrointestinal problems or even more severe problems. Let us find out what instant actions we need to take!
Can Dogs Eat Avocado Skin?
Your pups are the most special creatures. Thus, you are supposed to treat them in that manner, too. Now, the question is: can your dog’s eat the skin of avocado? Frankly speaking, no, avocado skin isn’t safe for dogs. It contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be harmful in large amounts. While dogs are less sensitive to persin than other animals, eating avocado skin still poses risks.
Risks of Avocado Skin for Dogs
Here’s a look at some of the risks involved with feeding avocado skin to dogs.
- Persin Toxicity: Avocado skin has persin, which can cause mild to severe toxicity in dogs, especially in large amounts.
- Choking Hazard: Swallowing pieces of avocado skin can lead to choking, particularly in smaller dogs.
- Intestinal Blockage: The thick, fibrous skin may cause intestinal blockage, which is dangerous for dogs.
If your dog ate avocado skin, watch for signs of distress and contact a vet if you notice symptoms. Avoid feeding your dog any parts of the avocado, including pits and seeds, to keep them safe.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Avocado Skin?
If you find that your dog ate avocado skin, follow these steps;
- Observe: Keep an eye on your dog for any symptoms.
- Check for Symptoms: Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or signs of choking.
- Contact a Vet: If symptoms appear or you’re unsure, call your vet immediately for guidance.
Levels of Persin in Avocado
Persin is present in all parts of the avocado, but levels vary;
- Highest Levels: Found in the skin, pit, and leaves.
- Lower Levels: Found in the avocado flesh.
Since persin levels are higher in the skin, it’s best to keep dogs away from avocado peels.
Parts of the Avocado That Are Toxic to Dogs
Not all parts of an avocado are equally harmful. Here’s a breakdown;
- Avocado Skin: Contains high levels of persin and poses a risk for choking or blockage.
- Avocado Pit: Besides persin, pits can also cause intestinal blockage if swallowed.
- Avocado Flesh: The flesh or guacamole contains less persin but may still cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts. Avocado oil is always a better option for your dog, for skin and for their gut health.
Concluding Remarks
Summing up, because persin, a toxin that is toxic to dogs, is present in portions of avocados, if your dog ate the skin, keep an eye out for any symptoms of distress. Risks including intestinal blockage or choking can arise from even tiny levels.
In conclusion, to keep your dog safe, don’t give them avocado and call your veterinarian if symptoms start to show.
FEED SAFE!
