I'm sure you've heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but did you know that macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs? Now that the holidays are starting we tend to have more nuts around to nibble on. If you have dogs in your house you may want to make sure that they don't help themselves to your prized macadamias. When dogs eat them they can get a toxic reaction called macadamia nut toxicosis. Within twelve hours of eating the nuts they start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand, ataxia (walking wobbly), depression, vomiting, muscle tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. Usually the symptoms go away within 48 hours but the weakness, vomiting, and fear can lead to dangerous, and sometimes deadly, shock. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog also eats some chocolate with the nuts. Then the effect of both combined is much worse and kidney failure can set in. So enjoy your nuts, but make sure that Lady and the Tramp get their doggy treats instead. Or a nice big bowl of spaghetti to share.
12-29-2006 @12:38PM Nancy Fonzi said... My pom/rat terrier ate 21 milk chocolate/caramel covered macedamia nuts Christmas evening. I discovered it the next morning and took him to the vet, Dog did not throw up or have diarhea at that time so vet checked his temp. and heart and said to just watch him for a day or so. Dogs hind quarters were weak and tender. Next day he seemed okay and ate and had no problem with his bowels or urine. Today, Friday, 4 days after, he began throwing up whole and half pieces of the nuts. I collected 14 of the nuts, some whole, some half. Seven nuts still not accounted for, but he may have actually chewed some. Called the vet and they said to just keep him on a bland diet. Dog acts okay. I haven't seen any mention of the dog retaining the nuts in the stomach. Any comments? Thanks
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