Dogs love to snack on whatever they see their pet parents enjoying! Has your dog tried to get you to share walnuts with him? Then you may want to read this before sharing walnuts with your dog.
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Are Walnuts Bad for Dogs?
Walnuts can be a very healthy snack for us, humans. What could be better than a walnut packed with nutrients, along with that special smell and taste that only walnuts have?
While walnuts are great for us, they’re not really very good for dogs. The nuts themselves are not toxic to dogs. However, walnuts can carry a black mold that is toxic to dogs. Mold usually isn’t found in high-quality walnuts but can start to grow if the nuts have been stored in someone’s home and more.
The problem is that walnuts contain high amounts of moisture, which can lead to fungi that are toxic to dogs. The worst walnut for dogs is the black walnut. These nuts grow in Canada and the Northeastern US and are toxic to dogs.
Symptoms of Walnut Mold Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten moldy walnuts:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Tremors
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Health Issues Walnuts Can Cause in Dogs
You’d think the black mold was enough; however, walnuts can also cause other serious health issues in dogs. Because walnuts are high in fat, they can cause a dog to become sick with diarrhea and vomiting. If a dog eats a lot of walnuts, there’s a chance he could develop either pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. Either of these conditions is very painful.
We also have to mention that walnuts, especially in smaller dogs, can lead to intestinal obstruction in dogs (especially smaller breeds). An intestinal blockage is a life-threatening medical emergency. The cause is the number of nuts and/or shells a dog may eat. These clump together in his intestines, where they become blocked. A vet usually has to perform surgery to remove the blockage.
Because of these serious health issues, it’s best to avoid giving your dog walnuts. It’s simply not worth taking the chance. Instead, when you enjoy a handle of walnuts, have a dog-safe treat nearby. Your fur baby will be very happy with that; we’re quite sure!
One more note—if your fur baby really wants some of those nuts you’re enjoying, then you might consider giving him some peanuts, peanut butter, or even a couple of cashews. These are safe for dogs!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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