Here's why:
* Psidium guajava (the scientific name for strawberry guava) contains psoralens, which are phototoxic substances. This means they can cause skin irritation and reactions when exposed to sunlight.
* Dogs are more sensitive to these compounds than humans, and ingesting them can lead to skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
* The leaves and stems of the plant contain higher levels of psoralens than the fruit.
To be safe, it's best to avoid giving your dog any part of the strawberry guava plant. If your dog does ingest any part of the plant, monitor them closely for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
* The ripeness of the fruit can also affect its toxicity. Unripe fruit may contain higher levels of psoralens.
* Even if your dog doesn't show any symptoms immediately, they could still develop health problems later.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your dog any fruits or plants unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian.