Project Description
Whether processed or fresh, macadamia nuts can cause problems for your pet. Dogs are the only species in which toxicity has been reported.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: weakness, depression, vomiting, lack of muscle control, tremors, joint pain, difficulty walking, hind limb weakness, elevated body temperature, and mild abdominal pain. These signs usually occur within 12 hours of ingestion.
Toxic Consumption: Typically clinical signs of toxicity are seen at > 2 g/kg (0.8 g/lb) . However, as little as 0.7 g/kg (0.3 g/lb) may cause signs of toxicosis.
For all considerations below, an approximation of 12 nuts in 1 ounce of macadamia nuts was used.
X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua |
Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle |
Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier |
Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel |
X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd |
XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard |
1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg) |
41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg) |
71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg) |
91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg) |
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> 0.1 nuts | > 1 nut | > 3 nuts | > 5 nuts | > 9 nuts | > 12 nuts |
References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
– The Merck Veterinary Manual. Macadamia Nuts. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/toxicology/food_hazards/macadamia_nuts.html. Accessed August 31, 2014.