From chocolate to raisins, there are plenty of foods that you should avoid giving your precious pup, including various types of nuts. So, can dogs eat macadamia nuts? It’s a good question and one you might be asking yourself if you have these in your kitchen pantry. Macadamia nuts can be a great option for people looking for a nutritious snack, but when it comes to dogs, macadamia nuts can pose several health risks. Read below to take an in-depth look at how macadamia nuts can affect dogs and what you should do if your pup accidentally eats them.
Why Macadamia Nuts Can Be Harmful to Man’s Best Friend
Macadamia nuts are grown in many places and eaten by humans throughout the world. People enjoy not only the creamy, rich taste, but also its many health benefits. Unfortunately, this is not the same case for dogs. Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that affects nerve and muscle function in dogs. The specific toxic mechanism remains unknown. Depending on the amount of nuts consumed, severe clinical signs can follow. Some dogs can also develop pancreatitis due to the high content oil that these nuts contain.
Macadamia Nut Toxicity
Dogs can experience severe symptoms of poisoning if they consume macadamia nuts. Just 2 grams of macadamia nuts per 2 pounds of a dog’s body weight can induce poisoning. Common signs to watch out for include:
- Lethargy
- Increased body temperature
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Joint stiffness
- Inability to walk
Treatment
You must take immediate action if your dog has consumed macadamia nuts. Start by calling your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for first aid advice. Next, transport your dog to the veterinary clinic for treatment. Your veterinarian may start by inducing vomiting for decontamination and administer activated charcoal to bind the toxins. Further treatment will depend on your dog’s symptoms, dosage, and how long it has been since the nuts were consumed. To avoid a macadamia nut poisoning incident, ensure that the nuts are secured away where your pup cannot reach them. If you have further questions or concerns regarding macadamia nut toxicity, please reach out to Pet Poison Helpline today!
