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Pet safety

Is Rough-Shelled Macadamia toxic to dogs?

Macadamia tetraphylla

Toxic to dogs

Yes — rough-shelled 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 list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your dog ate rough-shelled macadamia

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move rough-shelled macadamia out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of rough-shelled macadamia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten rough-shelled macadamia, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is rough-shelled macadamia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is rough-shelled macadamia toxic to dogs?

Yes — rough-shelled 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 list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats rough-shelled macadamia?

The ASPCA does not list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion. 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 rough-shelled macadamia.

What should I do if my dog ate rough-shelled 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 rough-shelled macadamia toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rough-Shelled Macadamia is toxic to cats as well. See the full rough-shelled macadamia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to rough-shelled 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 rough-shelled macadamia pet-safety