Is Australian Nut Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Macadamia integrifolia
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | No |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Unknown mechanism, dog-specific |
| Onset of symptoms | 12 hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
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Symptoms in dogs
- Weakness (especially hind legs)
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Elevated temperature
- Lethargy
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What to do
Contact a vet — macadamia toxicity in dogs is rarely fatal but causes uncomfortable, sometimes dramatic-looking weakness that resolves within 24-48 hours with supportive care.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Australian Nut is unknown mechanism, dog-specific.
What makes this plant different
Macadamia toxicity is unusual on this list because its mechanism is still not fully understood by veterinary toxicologists, and it appears to be dog-specific — cats are not reported to be affected. The dramatic-looking hind-leg weakness it causes typically resolves fully within 24-48 hours, making it one of the more alarming-looking but ultimately lower-mortality entries here.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Macadamia integrifolia
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Also known as
- Australian Nut, Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control