Cashew

Cashews are not a poisonous nut. The American Kennel Club states plainly that, unlike macadamia nuts, cashews are not toxic to dogs and are generally safe. A dog that snagged one or two unsalted cashews off the counter is very unlikely to be in trouble. But safe and advisable are different claims, and cashews come with four practical problems. Salt is first. Cashews are usually sold salted, and the AKC warns that excess salt can lead to salt toxicity with vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, muscle tremors and seizures. The Merck Veterinary Manual puts clinical signs of salt toxicosis in dogs at ingestion of 2 to 3 g/kg of sodium chloride, with an acute oral lethal dose around 4 g/kg -- a lot of cocktail nuts for a Labrador, but not much margin for a Chihuahua, and far less margin for a dog already on a sodium-restricted cardiac or renal diet. One thing to never do if salt is a concern: do not withhold water. Merck also warns that correcting sodium too fast drives water into the brain and causes cerebral edema, so offer small amounts of water frequently and let the clinic manage the correction. Fat is second. The AKC describes cashews as a high-fat, high-protein snack and notes that high-fat diets can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Watch the 24-to-72-hour window for a dog that stops eating, vomits repeatedly and hunches over its abdomen. Regular cashew handouts also do exactly what you would expect to a dog's waistline. Size is third. The AKC notes nuts can be obstructions and choking hazards, a particular problem in small dogs, though larger nuts are dangerous for large breeds as well. A curved cashew swallowed whole by a gulper is well shaped to lodge. The fourth problem is the one that actually sends dogs to the ER. The AKC points out that cashews are often sold in variety packs and containers, especially around the holidays, and that this is a hazard because some nuts in those mixes -- macadamias -- are very toxic. Merck reports dogs developing weakness, CNS depression, vomiting, ataxia, tremors and hyperthermia after macadamia ingestion at 2.4 g/kg, generally within 12 hours. Deluxe mixes and trail mixes may also carry raisins or chocolate, both of which are their own emergencies. Whether your dog ate cashews or ate a mix is not a detail; it is the entire question. One more note: cashews sold as raw have in fact been steamed. Cashews belong to the same plant family as poison ivy, and unprocessed cashew shell material contains an irritant resin, so never offer truly unprocessed cashews. If your dog swelled up, broke out in hives or is itching hard, that is a possible allergic reaction -- call. If a container was emptied or a mix was involved, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 now, and take the packaging with you so the ingredient list can be read. Do not induce vomiting at home.