Pet safety
Is Macadamia toxic to dogs?
Macadamia integrifolia
Yes — macadamia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any.
What to do if your dog ate macadamia
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move macadamia out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of macadamia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten macadamia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is macadamia toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is macadamia toxic to dogs?
Yes — macadamia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats macadamia?
The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to macadamia.
What should I do if my dog ate macadamia?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is macadamia toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Macadamia is toxic to cats as well. See the full macadamia pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to macadamia?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Full macadamia pet-safety
- Is macadamia toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is macadamia toxic to cats?
- My dog ate macadamia — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete macadamia care guide