In this article, we’ll talk about if dogs can eat guacamole, what to do if your dog eats guacamole, and more.
Is Avocado Toxic for Dogs?
Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog eats enough avocado, it may experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, heart attack, and pancreatitis. Pancreatitis typically occurs when a dog eats foods that are high in fat. Pancreatitis can happen once, in which case it’s called acute pancreatitis. It can also be chronic, which means it reoccurs potentially for a dog’s whole life. When a dog has pancreatitis, its pancreas becomes inflamed. This causes symptoms like stomach upset, increased thirst, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Pancreatitis can be deadly, especially if left untreated.
What About Guacamole?
Not only is avocado toxic to dogs, but so are the following common guacamole ingredients:
GarlicOnionLimeLemon
As you can see, this is all-around not a good snack for a dog. Never feed it to them intentionally. If your dog gets into guacamole by mistake, they need emergency veterinary attention. Don’t wait—call your nearest emergency clinic right away. With all of the toxic ingredients in guacamole, even a small amount may harm your dog, especially if they’re little. You never know how your dog will react to a toxin, and we also don’t have data when it comes to how much avocado or guacamole can kill a dog.
What Do I Do if My Dog Eats Guacamole?
Guacamole has too many toxic ingredients to just sit by and wait after your dog eats it. Even small amounts can harm some dogs, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. That said, don’t panic! Stay as calm as possible and call your nearest emergency veterinary clinic right away. You can also try calling a pet poison hotline for help. If you can, keep the label on hand so that you can tell the person you speak to what ingredients the guacamole includes. Also, let them know if your dog is currently experiencing any symptoms. The problem with waiting for symptoms to arise is that you can’t always see the internal damage done to your dog. If they’re suffering from organ damage as a result of poisoning, and you wait for symptoms to arise, it might be too late. You also cannot wait for your regular veterinarian to schedule an appointment or for them to open if they’re closed. Poisoning is an emergency, and your dog must receive help immediately. Sometimes it can be tempting to wait, especially if you know anything about emergency vets—if your dog isn’t in a critical state, you might be in the waiting room for a while. But, emergency clinics will triage your dog when you walk in to determine whether they need to be seen immediately. If you do end up waiting, you’re also near a bunch of veterinarians if your dog gets worse during the wait. You will be moved up in the line if your dog’s condition worsens, and your dog will make it straight to the top if need be. At the very least, speaking to a professional is important to determine if your dog’s case is emergent. This isn’t something the average pet owner can determine on their own. Don’t try to handle the poisoning on your own, either. Things like forcing your dog to throw up can be dangerous when not overseen by a professional — so don’t try it unless instructed by someone at your vet clinic or a trusted pet poison hotline.
What Should I Feed Instead of Guacamole?
The true answer is: feed them dog food! There’s just no replacement for high-quality dog food for your pup. Though we can feel emotional about it as humans, our dogs don’t need human food to be healthy or happy. However, I know how tempting it is to feed your pup a little snack—especially while you’re enjoying one yourself. Try plain, pureed pumpkin if you’re looking for something to mix into your dog’s food. This superfood contains a lot of fiber to help your dog’s digestive system stay healthy. It’s also sweet, and your dog will likely enjoy it more than guacamole. Pumpkin can be bought canned, but make sure there are no additives. You don’t want excess sugar or pumpkin pie mixes, which can contain toxic spices. Alternatively, look into healthy veggies for your pup, like green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
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