Pet Care

Black Walnut


Scientific Name:: Juglans nigra

Family:: Juglandaceae
Where Found:: Native to Northeastern U.S. and Canada.
Toxicity:: Toxic to Horses, Non-Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs
Toxic Principles:: Unknown
Clinical Signs:: Dogs: moldy nuts can grow molds that cause tremors and seizures. Horses: Toxicity usually due to exposure to shavings in bedding;as little as 5% black walnut in bedding can induce a toxic reaction. Ingested nuts and nut hulls have also been implicated in digestive disturbances in horses. Onset of clinical signs as early as 8 hours after exposure to bedding; signs can include mild to moderate depression, anorexia, fluid build up in the legs ("stocking up"), laminitis, increased heart and respiratory rate, increased body temperature, mild colic (on occasion).

If your pet ingested this plant, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.*

* A $65 consultation fee may apply.