Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Macadamia Nut - what should I do?
Macadamia integrifolia
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and joint pain or stiffness.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant discomfort and temporary mobility issues. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has consumed any part of the plant or nuts.
First aid at home
Remove any remaining nuts from your dog's reach and note how many were eaten and your dog's weight before you call. Do not induce vomiting at home unless your vet or Pet Poison Helpline tells you to.
What to watch for
The hallmark sign is weakness in the back legs — dogs may stagger, sit down repeatedly, or refuse to stand. Vomiting, lethargy, low-grade fever, and tremors are common. Less often, dogs develop joint stiffness or a wobbly gait. Severity scales with dose: even ~2 grams of nuts per kilogram of body weight has been reported to cause clinical signs.
Time window
Initial signs (vomiting, lethargy, fever) usually appear within 3 to 6 hours. Hind-limb weakness, tremors, and joint stiffness typically peak 6 to 12 hours after ingestion. Clinical signs generally resolve within 12 to 48 hours.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) right away if your dog has eaten any macadamia nuts — don't wait for symptoms. Get to the clinic in person if you see tremors, an inability to stand, persistent vomiting, or if the nuts were chocolate-coated (chocolate compounds the risk).
What this means for your dog
Dogs should never eat macadamia nuts. Even a small handful can trigger a distinct toxicity syndrome — most owners notice rear-leg weakness, vomiting, and a low-grade fever within a few hours of ingestion. The good news is that dogs typically recover within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.