Pet emergency
My dog ate Black Walnut 'Sparks 147' — what to do
Step by step
- Take black walnut 'sparks 147' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate black walnut 'sparks 147' — FAQ
Is black walnut 'sparks 147' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Black Walnut 'Sparks 147' (Juglans nigra 'Sparks 147') as toxic to dogs. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Moldy nuts and hulls can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins such as penitrem A, causing tremors, seizures and incoordination in dogs; the roots, bark, wood, pollen and nuts are highly toxic to horses, causing laminitis and colic, with even shavings unsafe as bedding. Keep pets and horses away from fallen nuts, husks and walnut wood.
How serious is it if my dog ate black walnut 'sparks 147'?
Black Walnut 'Sparks 147' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Moldy nuts and hulls can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins such as penitrem A, causing tremors, seizures and incoordination in dogs; the roots, bark, wood, pollen and nuts are highly toxic to horses, causing laminitis and colic, with even shavings unsafe as bedding. Keep pets and horses away from fallen nuts, husks and walnut wood. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep black walnut 'sparks 147' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is black walnut 'sparks 147' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Black Walnut 'Sparks 147' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide