Better to avoid
Better not. Avocado flesh contains only small amounts of the toxin persin, but the pit, skin and leaves are more concentrated — and the pit is a notorious blockage hazard. Most vets say skip it.
Persin, a fungicidal compound in avocado, is seriously toxic to birds and rabbits but only mildly so to dogs — large amounts of flesh can still cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and avocado’s high fat content can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. The bigger emergency-room reason is the pit: smooth, slippery and exactly the right size to lodge in a dog’s oesophagus or intestine. Guacamole adds onion and garlic to the mix, making it doubly off-limits.
A stolen lick of plain avocado is no cause for panic in a healthy dog. But don’t offer it on purpose, and if a pit was swallowed, call your vet immediately — blockages often need surgery and are easiest to deal with early.
For healthy fats, a little plain cooked salmon or a fish-oil supplement recommended by your vet beats avocado safely.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful or shows symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Full disclaimer.