
They may be popular party fare, but they're no fun
for domestic canines. If
ingested, macadamia nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression,
vomiting, in coordination, tremors,
abdominal pain and muscle stiffness,
reports Dr. Jill A. Richardson of the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center
(APCC). "So far these symptoms have only been seen
in dogs," says
Richardson.
Although veterinarians aren't sure exactly what component
in macadamia nuts
makes them toxic, they do know that other nuts don't cause
similar
problems. If you suspect that your dog has eaten macadamia
nuts--or any
other potentially dangerous substance--call your veterinarian
or
1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance.
For more
information on poison prevention, visit:
Animal Poison
Control Center Est. 1978 University of Illinois