Pet emergency
My dog ate Brazil Nut — what to do
Step by step
- Take brazil nut 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 brazil nut — FAQ
Is brazil nut poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) as mildly toxic to dogs. Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The nuts are very high in fat and selenium, and excess can cause GI upset or selenium toxicity in pets, so they should not be offered as treats.
How serious is it if my dog ate brazil nut?
Brazil Nut is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The nuts are very high in fat and selenium, and excess can cause GI upset or selenium toxicity in pets, so they should not be offered as treats. 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 brazil nut well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is brazil nut toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Brazil Nut and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide