Have you ever heard that green walnuts can be toxic to dogs? A report that was already in circulation a few years ago is now making headlines again. We take a closer look at the topic.
Why green walnuts can be dangerous
It is not the walnut itself that is dangerous for dogs. Rather, the danger comes from an inconspicuous fungus that can settle on the green shell of the nuts. This fungus, Penicillium crustosum, is one of the most common food spoilage agents. But why is it so dangerous for our four-legged friends?
Roquefortin C – A poison with consequences
The main problem with this fungus is the poison it produces: Roquefortine C. It is highly neurotoxic and has similar effects to strychnine, also known as “mother-in-law poison”. Even small amounts of this poison can cause serious health problems in dogs. The dog doesn't even have to eat the nut. It's enough if he sniffs it.
The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, cramps or musculoskeletal disorders. In the worst case scenario, poisoning can be fatal.
Other risks: Intestinal obstruction caused by “toys” from nature
But it's not just the fungal poison that makes walnuts and other nuts dangerous. Another, often underestimated problem is swallowing. When dogs swallow whole nuts or chestnuts, they are at risk of intestinal obstruction - a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Fact Check: Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts and Nut Allergies in Dogs
The health and well-being of our four-legged friends is important to all of us. Since dogs are often viewed as members of the family, it is important to be aware of possible dangers in their environment. Here you will find a detailed fact check about nuts and their risks for dogs.
Chewed walnut shells
Claim: Chewed walnut shells can cause painful sores in the mouth and digestive tract due to their sharp edges.
Confirmed: Yes, the sharp edges of the bowls can cause injury.
Unripe walnuts
Claim: Unripe walnuts contain tannic acid, which leads to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.
Confirmed: Yes, unripe walnuts actually contain tannic acid, which can cause such problems.
Intestinal obstruction caused by nuts
Claim: Whole, swallowed nuts can cause intestinal obstruction in dogs, which can be fatal.
Confirmed: Yes, this is a realistic threat. Large nuts in particular can cause intestinal obstruction in smaller dog breeds.
Macadamia nuts
Claim: Macadamia nuts are extremely toxic to dogs.
Just 3 nuts can poison a small dog. Symptoms appear 10-12 hours after consumption. Confirmed: Yes, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. The quantity and response time may vary, but the data provided is correct.
Nut allergy in dogs
Claim: Some dogs experience allergic reactions after eating peanuts or hazelnuts.
Confirmed: Yes, although nut allergies are not all that common in dogs, there are reports of such reactions, particularly with peanuts.
Conclusion: An informed dog owner is a safe dog owner
It is important to always be on guard and know what is safe for our furry friends and what is not. Even if green walnuts are not poisonous in themselves, they pose a significant danger to dogs because they can be infected with fungi and can be swallowed. A small moment of inattention can have serious consequences. Play it safe, keep an eye on your dog when you go for a walk and choose alternative toys that are safe and fun for your dog.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )