If you own a dog and have a black walnut tree on your property, you may want to monitor your dog closely, as black walnuts may prove to be harmful to dogs. The main culprits appear to be the walnuts and their hulls, which are often objects of interest for inquisitive dogs and puppies.
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Identification
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Black walnuts are common in the U.S and Canada. The black walnut tree belongs to the family of the Juglandaceae, its scientific name being Juglans nigra. This deciduous tree is native to the northeastern U.S. and Canada, and it is known for producing walnuts in the autumn .
Causes
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Moldy walnuts may cause serious problems. Walnuts are prone to developing molds that may be toxic in dogs. Such molds produce a mycotoxin that is commonly found in walnuts that fall off the tree in the fall and are exposed to rain.
Symptoms
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Dogs that ingest black walnuts are prone to develop an upset stomach with episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Moldy walnuts are likely to cause, within hours of ingestion, neurological signs such as tremors, seizures and even death.
Other Dangers
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While black walnuts are known to cause trouble because of their neurotoxic effects, another risk comes from the chance of them causing an intestinal blockage. When this happens, very likely the foreign body will be unable to pass, often requiring surgery to remove it.
Treatment
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If the black walnuts were ingested within a couple of hours a veterinarian may suggest to induce vomiting. Dogs ingesting black walnuts are generally treated symptomatically, with a variable prognosis, depending on the amount of walnuts ingested and the time lapse between the appearance of clinical signs and the time treatment is sought.
Prevention
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Black walnut hulls should always be picked up whenever they fall to the ground in order to limit exposure. Close monitoring is required when dogs frequent areas where these trees are common.
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