Dog ate macadamia nuts
If your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, call a veterinarian or poison control line for advice. Macadamias can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), tremors, vomiting, a raised temperature, and wobbliness, usually within about 12 hours. The effects are distressing but most dogs recover with supportive care. An important catch: many macadamia treats are chocolate-covered or baked into cookies, so your dog may also have eaten chocolate or other toxins — mention everything in the product when you call.
Go to a vet now if
- Weakness or wobbliness, especially in the back legs
- Tremors, a raised temperature, or vomiting
- Nuts that were chocolate-covered or in a baked treat
- A large amount, or any amount in a small dog
Call a vet today if
- A single plain nut in a large dog with no signs (still call your vet for advice)
What to tell the vet
- How many nuts and whether plain or in a treat
- When it happened
- Whether chocolate or other ingredients were involved
- Your dog's weight
- Any weakness, tremors, or fever
- Existing conditions and medications
What not to do
- Do not overlook chocolate or other ingredients in the same treat
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet directs you to
- Do not assume weakness will pass on its own without a vet's advice
What your vet may check
Your vet will assess the amount and any other toxins involved, may decontaminate if recent, and provide supportive care for weakness, tremors, and temperature. Most dogs improve within a day or two.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
Recovery is usually good with supportive care. Follow your vet's advice on rest and feeding; any supportive nutrition during recovery is used on veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What do macadamia nuts do to dogs?
They can cause weakness (often in the back legs), tremors, vomiting, wobbliness, and a raised temperature, usually within about 12 hours. Most dogs recover with supportive care.
Are chocolate-covered macadamias more dangerous?
Yes — the chocolate adds a separate toxicity, and baked treats may also contain raisins or xylitol. Tell your vet about the whole product, not just the nuts.
How many macadamia nuts are toxic to a dog?
Even relatively small amounts can cause signs, and it varies with the dog's size. Call your vet or a poison line with the number of nuts and your dog's weight.
← More poisoning & toxins emergencies
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows AVMA, Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, and small-animal emergency-medicine standards, reviewed by our veterinary advisory board.