QuestionWe live in the Easteren Panhandle of WV, have alot of walnut trees in back yard. My dog, age 11 mos. loves to use the nuts as balls, carries them in his mouth and then my husband kicks them and he chases them. Recently he has become ill, with vomiting, gastric distress,diaharea, lethargy. We have had many tests done and can't find a true diagnosis, could this be from "juglone toxicity"? Would love to hear what you might know on this subject. Thank you.
AnswerIt does sound like juglone poisoning. Poisoning in dogs is reported occasionally when the seed hulls are consumed, causing stomach upset and diarrhea (gastroenteritis). Stomach upset in dogs will resolve when hulls are no longer eaten.
Generally dogs will not chew on the walnuts but puppies are as you know a different animal and seem to chew everything. I would think the dog has learned its lesson and will not bother the walnuts unless they are used as ball to fetch.