NUTS
Macadamias, Almonds, Walnuts, etc.
Surprisingly, many different types of nuts are generally considered dangerous foods for dogs.
Macadamia nuts in particular - (raw, roasted, and macadamia butter) are a known toxic food for dogs and can cause locomotory difficulties.
Mixed NutsTree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and Brazil nuts, are often contaminated with very low levels of the poison Aflatoxin, which comes from the Aspergillus mold. These levels are considered safe for human consumption by the FDA. However, dogs are acutely sensitive to this poison, and even low levels of Aflatoxin can be extremely toxic to dogs. It causes severe hepatocellular necrosis, which leads to decreased liver function. The episode can be either acute (short lived), or last for several days.
(FYI, Birds also have heightened sensitivity to this toxin).
Other varieties of nuts can cause various other dog illnesses and dog poisoning.
Nuts generally have a high phosphorus content which causes the formation of bladder stones in dogs.
Walnuts can cause gastroenteritis in dogs.
Note: Peanuts and peanut butter are generally considered safe foods for dogs. Peanut butter is widely used in dog treats, as a kong stuffer, etc. However, peanut butter is somewhat controversial in that it is also known to contain mold which often leads to yeast growth in pets, as well as in humans. This, in turn, often causes dog skin allergies.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Bladder stones in dogs are also sometimes referred to as kidney stones, urolithiasis, urethritis, cystitis, or urinary calculi. If the stones are large enough, blockage can occur in the urinary tract, and your dog will not be able to pass urine. This can cause your pooch extreme pain. It is an emergency situation and you need to rush your dog to the vet for immediate treatment.
The symptoms of bladder stones in dogs you may observe are: straining to urinate, or frequent "dribbling" urination, blood in the urine, and painful urination.
The symptoms of dogs eating macadamia nuts are known as locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop elevated body temperature, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, muscle tremors, and weakness or paralysis of the dog's hindquarters (this typically lasts for a few days). They may be unable to stand up, are panting heavily, and show obvious signs of distress. Some dogs develop swollen and painful limbs.
The symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs usually present as persistent vomiting (sometimes bile may be seen in the vomit), dehydration and watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include lethargy, lack of appetite, stomach grumbling, and general listlessness.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
As few as six macadamia nuts can trigger locomotory difficulties in dogs.
For other varieties of nuts, it's likely based on how sensitive your pooch's system is, the size of your pooch and, naturally, the more your doggie consumes, the more likely he is to encounter problems.
WHY ARE NUTS POISONOUS FOODS FOR DOGS?
The toxin in macadamia nuts that causes dog poisoning is not known.
Other varieties of nuts are commonly contaminated with very low levels of the poison Aflatoxin which dogs are extremely sensitive to.
The high phosphorus content in many nuts can result in bladder stones in dogs.