No, pecans are among the foods that dogs should avoid as they can be toxic. Pecans should be avoided because they can grow mold, which can result in blockages in the intestine and other types of gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Some dogs could experience seizures.
If you’re thinking about the question of can dogs eat pecans, it would be best to keep them put away to decrease the risk of your furry friend getting sick.
Why are Pecans Bad for Dogs?
People often enjoy pecans by themselves or as an ingredient in dishes like cakes or pies. However, dogs should stay away from pecans because they can be poisonous.
For some dogs, pecans can also be fatal depending on the weight of the dog, other medical conditions that might be present, and how many pecans the dog eats.
One of the answers to can dogs eat pecans is that there’s a toxin called juglone in them. Aflatoxin is also in pecans and is derived from a type of mold called Aspergillus. While this might not impact all dogs, there are some that are sensitive to it, leading to a severe illness or death.
The most common reason dogs should avoid pecans is the severe GI issues that could develop. If left untreated, these issues could result in significant weight loss, lethargy, and death. Since pecans can be difficult to digest, they could lead to a blockage in the intestines.
This could result in vomiting to try to get the blockage out as your dog likely wouldn’t be able to pass the pecans or any other food consumed after the nuts in the stool.
If pecans have mold on them, then the toxins in the mold can lead to seizures. You might see one seizure until your dog has passed the pecans in the stool or vomit, or there could be several seizures that occur, especially in smaller dogs that can’t process toxins as well as larger dogs.
Neurological damage could occur as a result of consuming pecans that have mold on them as well because of the toxins.
Pecans are high in fat, which can lead to your dog being obese if they do tend to grab a few treats without you looking. Since the nuts have a higher sodium content, they can also raise the blood pressure, which can result in death if too many are consumed over time.
What to do if Dogs Eat Pecans?
If you suspect that your dog has consumed pecans, there are a few signs that you might notice. A low appetite and not wanting to drink as much water are usually the first signs that something is wrong.
If you didn’t see your dog eat pecans, then this could be because of another illness. A veterinarian can examine your dog to determine exactly what’s wrong to provide the proper treatment.
After consuming pecans, your dog might begin to vomit. There could also be some blood in the vomit, which could be from the pecans scratching the sides of the intestines or the throat. Your dog’s urine might be orange in color and could have blood in it as well. The stool could become dark or even black, which could indicate that there’s blood in the stool.
Do You Know?
Lots of snacks are safe for dogs, but some snacks you should just not give your pet. We sat down and did some research and our vet has verified it: Can Dogs Eat Papaya?
