Are black walnuts poisonous to dogs?

Black walnuts are not considered to be poisonous to dogs. However, they can be a choking hazard if they are ingested whole, so it is important to keep an eye on your dog if you have black walnuts on your property or give them to your dog as a treat.

The green husks of black walnuts can contain a substance called juglone, which can be toxic to some plants. However, the nuts themselves are not toxic and are actually considered to be a healthy treat for dogs in small amounts.

What do I do if my dog ate black walnut?

If your dog has eaten a black walnut, there is generally no need for concern. Black walnuts are not toxic to dogs and are actually considered to be a healthy treat for dogs in small amounts. However, if your dog has ingested a large number of black walnuts or if you are concerned about your dog’s health in any way, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.

They will be able to assess your dog’s health and provide any necessary treatment. In the meantime, you can try to prevent your dog from eating any more black walnuts by keeping them out of reach or supervising your dog when they are outside.

What do I do if my dog is choking on a black walnut?

If your dog is choking on a black walnut or any other foreign object, it is important to act quickly to try to remove the object and clear your dog’s airway. Here are some steps you can take:

Try to assess the severity of the choking. Is your dog able to breathe, cough, or make any sounds? Is your dog showing signs of distress, such as panting or gagging?
If your dog is able to breathe and is not showing signs of severe distress, try to encourage them to cough up the object by gently patting their chest or back.
If your dog is not able to breathe or is showing signs of severe distress, try the Heimlich maneuver:
If you are unable to remove the object or if your dog becomes unconscious, take them to the nearest emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.

It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional animal trainer to learn how to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog. It is also a good idea to be prepared for emergencies by having the phone number for a nearby animal hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handy.

How to give the Heimlich to a dog

To perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, follow these steps:

Stand behind your dog and place your arms around their waist.
Make a fist with one hand and place it just above your dog’s belly button.
Grasp your fist with your other hand and give a quick, upward thrust.

It is important to note that the Heimlich maneuver should only be performed on a dog if they are choking and are unable to breathe or are showing signs of severe distress. If your dog is able to breathe and is not showing signs of severe distress, try to encourage them to cough up the object by gently patting their chest or back.

If you are unable to remove the object or if your dog becomes unconscious, take them to the nearest emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.

Where are black walnuts found?

Black walnuts (Juglans nigra) are native to the eastern and central United States and are typically found in wooded areas, along streams, and on hillsides. They can also be grown in other parts of the world as ornamental trees or for their nuts.

Black walnuts are typically found in states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, as well as in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Black walnuts are also grown in Canada and some other countries.

What other nuts should my dog avoid?

While most types of nuts are not toxic to dogs, some types of nuts can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities or if they contain certain types of toxins. Here are a few types of nuts that you may want to avoid giving to your dog:

Macadamia nuts: These nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and weakness.
Walnuts (other than black walnuts): Some types of walnuts, such as English walnuts, can contain a mold toxin called aflatoxin, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Pecans: Pecans can contain aflatoxin and can also be a choking hazard for dogs.
Almonds: Almonds are not toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard and may cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested in large quantities.
Pistachios: Pistachios are not toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard and may cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested in large quantities.

It is always a good idea to keep all types of nuts out of reach of your dog and to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any type of nut as a treat.

Final Thoughts

Black walnuts are not toxic to dogs and can actually be a healthy treat for dogs in small amounts. However, it is important to keep an eye on your dog if you have black walnuts on your property or give them to your dog as a treat, as they can be a choking hazard if ingested whole.

If you are concerned about your dog’s health after they have eaten black walnuts or any other type of nut, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with other types of nuts, such as macadamia nuts, walnuts (other than black walnuts), pecans, almonds, and pistachios, and to keep these nuts out of reach of your dog.