Avocado contains a toxin called persin, a fungicidal toxin present in the avocado. It is generally harmless to humans, but when consumed by domestic animals in large quantities it is dangerous. Persin is also an oil-soluble compound, structurally similar to a fatty acid, and it leaches into the body of the avocado fruit from the pits.

Avocado is not poisonous to dogs or cats, (except when the seed is eaten). So the primary danger of avocados to dogs and cats concerns the possibility of swallowing the large pit, which can cause a blockage or obstruction in the animal’s oesophagus, stomach or intestinal tract. Hence you exercise caution and try not to let dogs or cat pets eat a whole avocado or the avocado pit. They could just eat the flesh which is okay for them. Again, animals like; rabbits, horses and ruminants (e.g. cattle, sheep, and goats) are not to be allowed to feed on any part of the avocado at all for the obvious reasons.

Signs of toxicity in rabbits include:

Inflammation of the mammary glands

Decreased milk production

Difficulty breathing

Fluid around heart

Heart rhythm problems

Death

Except you want them dead then you can feed with avocado of course, but we aren’t really talking about animals today, we talking about birds!

Avocado poisoning can be deadly to birds. How? Persin is toxic to birds generally! Birds like; (canaries, parakeets, cockatiels and large parrots) and all other Pet Birds should never be fed avocado, as they are extremely susceptible to persin toxicity.

Signs of persin poisoning in birds includes the following:

Inability to perch,

Respiratory distress,

Fluid accumulation around the bird’s heart and lungs,

Liver and kidney failure

And sudden death.

If you suspect your pet has avocado poisoning, you can call your veterinarian for immediate treatment advice to save your birds. Hope this is eye opening enough because even foods that are considered healthy and nutritious for some species of animals can be dangerous to others!