My Dog Ate Pecans Will He Get Sick?

Many people love pecans! You can find them in a wide variety of dishes and desserts. These nuts are extremely popular! While that’s the case, you may want to not give your dog foods that contain pecans.

Can’t dogs have pecans?

Pecans are Toxic for Dogs

No, dogs can’t have pecans because these yummy nuts are poisonous to dogs. While pecans contain some healthy nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, along with other vitamins and minerals, they contain a substance that’s toxic for dogs.

Pecans contain a substance called juglone. If a dog eats pecans in large enough quantities, they can become very sick. In fact, they could either develop gastric upset or a blocked intestine.

Symptoms of Pecan Poisoning in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten pecans:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Urine with an orange-color
• Blood in the urine
• Blackened or bloody stools
• Seizures
• Other neurological symptoms

Symptoms of Mycotoxicosis in Dogs

If the pecans were moldy, then that’s also a problem. The reason is that moldy pecans contain high levels of aflatoxin and other mycotoxins. These can all be extremely dangerous for your dog, and possibly lead to death.

Symptoms of mycotoxicosis can include:

• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice

Treatment of Pecan Poisoning

If you believe your canine companion has eaten a bunch of pecans, then call the vet right away. They may ask you to bring the dog in for an exam and possible treatment. Treatment may include inducing vomiting with activated charcoal or even gastric lavage.

If your dog’s symptoms are severe, the vet may also treat your fur baby with medications to control symptoms and an IV to treat the liver.

Keep Pecans Away from Your Dog

It’s much easier to keep pecans away from your dog, then dealing with pecan poisoning. For this reason, be sure to keep all pecans out your dog’s reach. And don’t give him food that contains pecans.

And if you have a pecan tree, then be sure to pick up all nuts to keep your dog from eating them. Remember, not only do the nuts contain toxins, but if left to mold, they will contain even more toxic substances that can cause death in dogs.

Never let your dog eat pecans. This is the best way to keep him from becoming very ill or even dying. Rather than giving him pecans (or other nuts), find a healthy snack he can enjoy with you! You’ll be be happier in the long run!