Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark may contain a toxic principle known as persin. The Guatemalan variety, a common one found in stores, appears to be the most problematic. Other varieties of avocado can have different degrees of toxic potential.
Birds, rabbits, and some large animals, including horses, are especially sensitive to avocados, as they can have respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart, and even death from consuming avocado. While avocado is toxic to some animals, in dogs and cats, we do not expect to see serious signs of illness. In some dogs and cats, mild stomach upset may occur if the animal eats a significant amount of avocado flesh or peel. Ingestion of the pit can lead to obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, which is a serious situation requiring urgent veterinary care.
Avocado is sometimes included in pet foods for nutritional benefit. We would generally not expect avocado meal or oil present in commercial pet foods to pose a hazard to dogs and cats.
@Vikinggirl I absolutely disagree with the above. It's a false rumor and incorrect.
The amount of Persin in the actual Avocado is not poisonous to dogs. And whomever wrote the above quote needs to check their facts. Don't feed them the pit or leaves of the plant, but the actual "meat" is fine. Unless of course your dog has an allergy to Avocado, but that's no different than anything else.
Monica, write to those people and tell them "Blueberrys Mom" says to get your facts straight!!
[MENTION=11439]4flowers[/MENTION], ours love popcorn, and as for cheese it will not hurt them in small amounts, but some dogs might be lactose intolerant and it may upset their tummies. We have given ours small pieces from time to time and they have never had a problem with it.
:D I'm sure by now you know how anal I am about what I feed Blue. Nothin' goes into his mouth without me checking exactly what it is, and how it may affect him.