Why are macadamia nuts bad for dogs?
Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous common foods for dogs. ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center lists them among the nuts and fatty foods to avoid and reports that they can cause weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs, with symptoms usually appearing within 12 hours of ingestion. AKC's guide to human foods dogs can and can't eat calls them one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. The exact toxic compound is unknown, there is no established safe dose, and smaller dogs are affected by fewer nuts.
How many macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs?
Zero. No safe amount. Keep macadamia nuts — and the cookies, baked goods, granola, and trail mix that contain them — away from dogs. If your dog ate any, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away instead of waiting for symptoms.
Not applicable. Check labels: macadamia is a common hidden ingredient in cookies, muffins, and snack mixes.
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FAQs
Are macadamia nuts bad for dogs?
Yes. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and are listed by ASPCA among the foods to avoid. Even a small amount can make a dog seriously ill.
How many macadamia nuts can hurt a dog?
There is no established safe amount. Toxicity depends on how many nuts were eaten and the dog's size, and smaller dogs can be affected by just a few — so any ingestion should be treated as a risk.
What are the signs of macadamia poisoning in dogs?
Weakness, incoordination or wobbliness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and a fever (hyperthermia). These usually show up within 12 hours of the dog eating the nuts.
My dog ate macadamia nuts. What should I do?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.