It is now documented and confirmed that avocado leaves, bark and seed are harmful to the health of domestic animals; among these: cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, fish, horses and especially birds. Ultimately, by eating the aforementioned components of the avocado plant, they can be severely damaged or even killed various types of animals even quite different from each other.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) officially mentions the avocado tree on its list of harmful agents, as a potentially poisoning element against some animals including: cats, dogs and horses.
Avocado leaves contain a derived fatty acid having a marked toxic potential; in English it is called persin - (R, 12Z, 15Z) -2-Hydroxy-4-oxohenicosa-12, 15-dienyl acetate) . This molecule, a real natural fungicide, at sufficient concentrations, can cause heavy colic even in large animals such as horses and, without appropriate veterinary care, their death.
Persin poisoning symptoms include: gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, congestion and fluid build-up around the heart tissues.
A line of food for dogs and cats, the "AvoDerm", uses oils and flours based on avocado fruit as the main ingredients. The producer claims that the true source of toxicity is the leaves and seeds of Guatemalan avocado, on the contrary, its fruits are continually eaten by dogs, coyotes and bears even in their natural state.
