Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Macadamia Nut safe for dogs?
Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia integrifolia is a tropical evergreen tree known for producing edible nuts, though the nuts themselves are known to cause specific adverse reactions in dogs. While commonly grown for food production, it is occasionally kept as a specimen plant in warm climates.
Australian NutMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia Nut TreeQueensland Nut
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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.
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).
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Macadamia nut is listed as toxic to dogs, causing weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
Questions about Macadamia Nut
Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?
Yes, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount — roughly 2 grams of nuts per kilogram of body weight — has been reported to cause clinical signs including weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
What are the symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs?
The hallmark sign is hind-limb weakness — dogs may stagger, sit down repeatedly, or refuse to stand. Other common symptoms include vomiting, depression, lethargy, low-grade fever, tremors, and joint pain or stiffness. Initial signs typically appear within 3 to 6 hours of ingestion, with weakness and tremors peaking at 6 to 12 hours.
What should I do if my dog ate macadamia nuts?
Remove any remaining nuts from your dog's reach and note how many were eaten and your dog's weight, then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — don't wait for symptoms to appear. Do not induce vomiting at home unless directed by a veterinarian. Get to a clinic immediately if you see tremors, an inability to stand, persistent vomiting, or if the nuts were chocolate-coated, as chocolate compounds the risk.
How long does macadamia nut toxicity last in dogs?
Clinical signs generally resolve within 12 to 48 hours. Vomiting and lethargy usually appear first (within 3 to 6 hours), followed by the more serious hind-limb weakness and tremors peaking around 6 to 12 hours after ingestion. Most dogs recover fully, but prompt veterinary contact is still recommended because severity scales with the amount eaten.
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