Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 6kg terrier ate two macadamia nuts from the holiday buffet within 20 minutes and is now wobbling—what should I do?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, this is an emergency – call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888‑426‑4435) right now. Two macadamia nuts can cause weakness, wobbliness, and tremors in a 6‑kg terrier within the next 12 hours. Those signs may start as soon as the nuts are swallowed and can include a shaky gait and difficulty standing. While you wait for help, keep the dog quiet, place a towel around its chest to limit shaking, and monitor for vomiting or collapse. Do not try to induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to.

Macadamia nuts — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Toxic to dogs — weakness, wobbliness and tremors within 12 hours. Usually recoverable, but call your vet.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Macadamia nuts should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Macadamia nuts has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Macadamia nuts food facts page.

Open the full food page: Macadamia nuts food facts →