Why it's dangerous
The exact toxic mechanism is unknown, but it is believed to affect nerve and muscle function.
How vets treat it
There is no specific test: the vet relies on what your dog ate and its signs. If your dog ate more than 1 to 2 g/kg recently and still seems well, the Merck Veterinary Manual advises making it vomit with a medicine. Some vets also give activated charcoal, although Merck says its benefit is unknown and doesn't generally recommend it. Most dogs with signs recover without specific treatment. Dogs that are badly affected get supportive care, such as a drip (IV fluids), anti-nausea medicine, pain relief and medicine to bring down a fever.
Outlook
With veterinary care, dogs are expected to recover fully. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes macadamia nut poisoning as typically nonfatal, with signs that generally clear within 12 to 48 hours, and the ASPCA expects recovery within 24 to 72 hours. In the review of 29 ASPCA cases, every dog recovered within 1 to 2 days. Signs can still be severe while they last, such as being unable to walk. Pancreatitis is an uncommon complication, and the outlook is less certain when it happens.
Where pets are exposed
- Macadamia nuts, which are sold widely in stores.
- Home baking and treats made with macadamia nuts. The ASPCA warns that a dog only needs to eat a small amount of food containing these nuts to get sick.
- Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, which can add chocolate poisoning.
- Nuts from macadamia trees, which are native to Australia and also grown in places such as Hawaii, California, Florida, South Africa and Brazil.
Prevention
- Keep macadamia nuts, and baked goods and treats made with them, in a safe place your dog can't reach.
- Don't share macadamia nuts or foods that contain them with your dog. Even small amounts can make a dog sick.
- Take extra care with fall baking and homemade Halloween treats, when food made with these nuts is around.
- Keep chocolate, raisins and products sweetened with xylitol, such as gum, candy and some baked goods, away from your dog too.
Good to know
The high oil content of these nuts can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.
Common questions
Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
Yes. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, especially in the back legs, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors and a high temperature in dogs. The cause is unknown, and dogs are the only species in which signs have been reported. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog eats any, even if it seems fine.
How many macadamia nuts can hurt a dog?
Even small amounts can make a dog sick, according to Pet Poison Helpline, and VCA says a few nuts can be enough. The Merck Veterinary Manual reports signs in dogs that ate 2.4 g of nuts per kilogram of body weight, so the risk depends on your dog's size as well as the amount. Call your vet with your dog's weight and roughly how much it ate.
What if my dog ate chocolate-covered macadamia nuts?
Call your vet or a pet poison line now. Your dog can get chocolate poisoning on top of macadamia nut poisoning. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, and the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Tell the vet what kind of chocolate it was and roughly how much your dog ate.
Should I make my dog throw up after eating macadamia nuts?
Not at home. Call your vet or a pet poison line first and let them decide. If your dog ate the nuts recently and still seems well, the vet may make it vomit with a medicine.
How long does macadamia nut poisoning last in dogs?
Signs usually start within 12 hours and generally clear within 12 to 48 hours, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. The ASPCA expects recovery within 24 to 72 hours. Still call your vet now, and again if your dog vomits, won't eat, has belly pain or is less active in the three days after, which can be signs of pancreatitis.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Macadamia Nut Toxicosis in Dogs
- ASPCA — Animal Poison Control Alert: Macadamia Nuts are Toxic to Dogs (2015)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Pet Poison Helpline — Macadamia Nuts
- Pet Poison Helpline — Are Macadamia Nuts Bad for Dogs?
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Macadamia Nut Poisoning
- Veterinary and Human Toxicology (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center authors) — Weakness, tremors, and depression associated with macadamia nuts in dogs (Hansen et al., 2000)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
