Ask Dr Claire

Is it true that onions, garlic and avocado are poisonous for dogs?

Onion and garlic (garlic is actually five times more potent than onion) are considered toxic to both dogs and cats. They cause damage to and destruction of their red blood cells which leads to anaemia.

Avocados are toxic to many species, but it doesn’t seem to be to dogs or cats.

Although not toxic, I generally don’t recommend feeding avocados to your dog as the pip is large and if eaten it can cause a blockage of the intestinal tract. Not to mention the fruit is high in fat and a large amount of that can easily cause an upset stomach, and worse a pancreatitis. However, I’m too worried if they get a bit of avocado fruit every now and then.

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Dr Claire