Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
❌ No! Walnuts, especially black walnuts, can be toxic to dogs and may contain dangerous molds!
Walnuts pose multiple dangers to dogs. They can contain toxic molds that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, causing neurological symptoms. Black walnuts are particularly dangerous and contain juglone, a toxin. Additionally, walnuts are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis. Old or fallen walnuts are especially dangerous as they're more likely to be moldy. The large size also poses a choking and intestinal blockage risk.
Toxicity Information
🩺 Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning
- ●Vomiting and diarrhea
- ●Tremors and seizures (from mold toxins)
- ●Hyperthermia (elevated temperature)
- ●Muscle rigidity
- ●Loss of coordination
- ●Increased heart rate
- ●Abdominal pain
- ●Lethargy and weakness
- ●Hypersalivation
- ●Liver damage in severe cases
🚨 What to Do If Your Dog Ate Walnuts
1. Contact your veterinarian immediately
2. Identify type of walnut if possible (black walnuts are worse)
3. Note if nuts appeared moldy or old
4. Watch for tremors or seizure activity
5. Keep dog calm and cool if tremoring
6. Bring sample of nuts if available
7. Treatment may include induced vomiting and activated charcoal
8. Severe cases need hospitalization for seizure control
🚨 In Case of Emergency
If your dog has consumed something toxic, contact help immediately:
🛡️ Prevention Tips
Never feed walnuts to dogs. Clean up fallen nuts from walnut trees immediately. Store all nuts in secure containers. Be especially careful in fall when nuts drop from trees. Check yards regularly if you have walnut trees nearby. Dispose of old or moldy nuts in secure trash. Consider fencing off walnut trees if you have them.