Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
Yes. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, especially in the back legs, along with tremors, vomiting and a raised temperature in dogs, usually within 12 hours. It is rarely fatal and most dogs recover within one to two days, but a few nuts can be enough, and the fat can trigger pancreatitis. Call your vet and plan to be seen soon, and sooner if the nuts were covered in chocolate.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your pet may have eaten this, contact a vet now; do not wait for signs.
What to do right now
- Remove any remaining nuts and keep the packet
- Estimate how many were eaten and note your dog's weight
- Check the packet for chocolate, raisins or xylitol
- Call your vet for advice; do not make your dog sick unless they tell you to
Go to an emergency clinic now if
- Your dog cannot stand or walk
- Your dog is very hot, trembling heavily or has a seizure
- The nuts were chocolate-coated or mixed with raisins or xylitol
- Your dog has repeated vomiting or a painful, hunched belly
- Signs are getting worse rather than better after 24 hours
Who to call
Your own vet first. If they are closed, the nearest emergency or out-of-hours clinic.
In the United States
Both answer 24 hours a day and may charge a consultation fee.
Signs to watch for
| Sign | Usually starts |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Within 12 hours |
| Weakness, especially in the back legs | Within 12 hours |
| Wobbliness, stiffness, unable to stand | Within 12 hours |
| Muscle tremors | Within 12 hours |
| Raised temperature, lethargy | Within 12 hours |
| Belly pain, repeated vomiting (pancreatitis) | Hours to days |
Why are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
No one knows which compound in macadamia nuts causes the problem. What is known is the pattern: dogs become weak, especially in the hind legs, and may tremble, wobble, vomit and run a temperature. The Merck Veterinary Manual suggests the tremors may be a result of muscle weakness. VCA Animal Hospitals says the poisoning is only recognised in dogs.
Macadamias are also very high in fat. VCA notes that this can cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, particularly in dogs that have had it before, overweight dogs and breeds prone to it.
How many macadamia nuts are dangerous for a dog?
Signs have been reported at low doses. The Merck Veterinary Manual reports signs after 2.4 g of nuts per kg of body weight, and a 2016 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science cites signs from as little as 0.7 g per kg. VCA says only a few nuts may be needed.
| Dog weight | Nuts at 0.7 g/kg (lowest reported) | Nuts at 2.4 g/kg |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 3.5 g | 12 g |
| 10 kg | 7 g | 24 g |
| 20 kg | 14 g | 48 g |
| 30 kg | 21 g | 72 g |
Weigh a few nuts from the same packet to turn this into a count. These figures are approximate, and dogs vary.
The bigger risk is often what the nuts came with. Chocolate-coated macadamias, cookies and trail mixes can also contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol, which are more dangerous and change the advice to a same-day or emergency visit.
What will the vet do?
Most affected dogs need only supportive care. If the nuts were eaten recently and your dog has no signs, the vet may make your dog vomit; Merck mentions this for amounts above 1 to 2 g per kg. For dogs with signs, care is matched to how unwell they are: fluids, anti-sickness medicine, pain relief and cooling if the temperature is high.
The outlook is very good. Merck describes the syndrome as non-fatal, with signs usually resolving within 12 to 48 hours, and VCA expects a full recovery within 24 to 48 hours with appropriate care. Dogs that develop pancreatitis have a more variable outlook and may need longer treatment.
Pativo rates macadamia ingestion as "see a vet soon", meaning within 48 hours, unless the signs above appear. Its symptom check can help you judge urgency if your dog's condition changes.
How do I stop it happening again?
- Keep macadamias, mixed nuts and nut cookies in closed containers out of reach.
- Do not leave snack bowls on low tables at gatherings.
- Check baked goods and chocolates for macadamia before sharing anything.
- If you have a macadamia tree, collect fallen nuts regularly.
For signs that need a clinic immediately, see emergency signs.
Questions owners ask
Are other nuts toxic to dogs?
The weakness and tremors are specific to macadamia nuts. Other nuts are high in fat and can upset the stomach or cause pancreatitis, and salted or flavoured nuts add further risks, so they are best avoided too.
Can cats get macadamia poisoning?
VCA Animal Hospitals states that macadamia nut poisoning is only recognised in dogs. Ask your vet if another pet eats them, because of the fat content.
How long does macadamia poisoning last?
Signs usually start within 12 hours and resolve within 12 to 48 hours. Dogs that develop pancreatitis can take longer.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Macadamia Nut Toxicosis in Dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Macadamia Nut Poisoning
- Cortinovis and Caloni (2016), Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats, Frontiers in Veterinary Science
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