Macadamia nuts and other toxic foods

[Keit]

Today stumbled upon this, and because couldn't find it mentioned anywhere on the forum, will post it just in case there is a dog owner here that isn't aware of it.

Apparently, macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs.

Reports of dogs poisoned by ingesting macadamia nuts have increased over the past 3 to 4 years. Macadamia nuts, produced by Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphila trees in Hawaii, can be found in most grocery stores throughout the United States.

Both the toxin and mechanism of action remain unknown. Generally, signs occur within the first 2 to 12 hours after ingestion, with the most frequently reported signs associated with locomotor disturbances. Almost all dogs have difficulty walking, with the gait best described as drunken or staggering.

Tremors, ataxia and weakness (hind end > front end) have also been reported. Other reported signs include depression, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hyperthermia. Laboratory analysis shows a mild increase in erum alkaline phosphatase and lipase, as well as a delayed increase in serum triglycerides.

No antidote exists, and treatment is mainly supportive. Prognosis is excellent, with signs generally resolving over 24 to 48 hours with appropriate care. [Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine]

Other toxic foods, according to this list, include onions, garlic, mushrooms, chocolate, raisins, other types of nuts. So it looks like "feeding your dog under the table" may not be such a good idea. Especially with onions, since it has a delayed effect and it will be harder to connect dog's distress and diarrhea to the onions.

 

[Ca.]

Today stumbled upon this, and because couldn't find it mentioned anywhere on the forum, will post it just in case there is a dog owner here that isn't aware of it.

Apparently, macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs.

Other toxic foods, according to this list, include onions, garlic, mushrooms, chocolate, raisins, other types of nuts. So it looks like "feeding your dog under the table" may not be such a good idea. Especially with onions, since it has a delayed effect and it will be harder to connect dog's distress and diarrhea to the onions.

Thanks Keit, i had friend that passed a me a story of her lab that sneaked, into the kitchen, and devoured a box of chocolate's. Inevitably she became deathly ill, and the vet had to (i believe) have her stomach pumped, to save her from toxic shock. She pulled through, :) (the lab) due to early detection of having found the lab acting like she had done something wrong, thus acting guilty which lead the owner to do a little recon, then the empty box of chocales nearby.