Australian Nuts Are Poisonous To Pets

Name: Australian Nut  (aka. Macadamia Nuts, Queensland Nut, Bauple Nut, Bush Nut and Maroochi Nut) (Only Known To Affect Dogs)

Toxins: Specific Toxin Unknown, Only shows as elevated serum lipase activities on blood tests.

Symptoms: depression , uncontrollable increase in body temperature, weakness, tremors, stiffness of the muscles, vomiting, increased heart rate. Only affects Dogs.

Additional Information: Macadamia Nuts, (aka. Australian Nuts, Queensland Nut, Bauple Nut, Bush Nut and Maroochi Nut) are commercially produced nuts that are commonly eaten individually, or are found as ingredients in certain cookies and candies. These nuts are toxic to dogs and clinical signs may develop from as little as 10g/kg of body weight, with symptoms generally including vomiting, ataxia (gross loss of coordinated muscle movements), weakness, depression, inability to stand and hyperthermia (uncontrollable increase in body temperature). The signs and symptoms can be much worse if the dog was able to ingest chocolate along with the nuts, as in cases involving chocolate covered Macadamia Nuts thus bringing on the added possibility of Methylxanthine toxicosis (chocolate poisoning). Both Chocolate and the nuts will cause similar symptoms with the combination of the two making the symptoms more severe and adding the possibility of kidney failure.
In the majority of cases involving dogs proper at home treatment will result in the clinical signs completely diminishing and the dog will returning to normal within 24-48 hours.

First Aid: Administering a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting will empty the stomach of any undigested nuts, preventing further absorption/digestion of toxins, once vomiting ceases administering activated charcoal with a cathartic (a substance which accelerates defecation) such as 70% sorbitol will speed the passage of nuts through the digestive system and reduce the absorption/digestion of toxins. Most animals make a full recovery within 24-48 hours. Consult A Veterinarian.