As the days get colder and darker here in Colorado, people are busy planning Christmas get togethers and heating up their ovens for holiday goodies. Whether you’re baking a batch of gingerbread cookies, perfecting your spice cake or doctoring your eggnog, you’re probably using nutmeg as a favored spice.
But before you start adding nutmeg to everything, take a moment and step away from the spices to learn why nutmeg can pose a serious danger to your dog!
Is Nutmeg Toxic to Dogs?
Nutmeg is harvested from the seed of the tropical evergreen tree Myristica fragrans. The spice mace comes from the seed coat. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is used in insecticides. When consumed in high doses by humans it has psychotropic effects, causing hallucinations and altered sensations.
In dogs, myristicin causes drastic and harmful reactions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
For these reasons you should refrain from feeding your dog nutmeg. However, if your dog ingests a small quantity (one bite of a gingerbread cookie, for example) it is likely your dog won’t have a reaction, or it will be a very small one. However, it is better to be safe than sorry, so try to make sure your dog doesn’t eat any nutmeg at all.
Symptoms of Nutmeg Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has consumed the contents of your jar of nutmeg, eaten the nutmegs you brought home from vacation, or helped themselves to a serving of pie, be alert for the warning signs, which include:
- Disorientation
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Lack of coordination
While it’s unlikely your dog will eat enough to cause these symptoms, but keep in mind the signs can last about 48 hours. Also, your dog’s size in relation to the amount ingested can be a factor. If you have a large size and he or she had one bite of a cookie, the likelihood he or she will get sick is much less than if you have a Chihuahua who gobbled down three pieces of pie.
If your dog has eaten nutmeg and displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4436.
Treatment for Nutmeg Poisoning
Unless specified by your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control, this is no time for home remedies. If suffering from nutmeg poisoning, your dog will need medical treatment, which may require emetics and IV fluids, having his or her blood pressure and heart rate monitored, and supervision in the case of hallucinations or seizures.
What Can I Give My Dog Instead of Nutmeg?
While your pup should avoid nutmeg, he or she can ingest a small amount of cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties. However, not all forms of cinnamon are safe for dogs. Here are some tips for feeding your dog cinnamon.
Do not:
- Let your dog eat more than 1 teaspoon of cinnamon at a time
- Give your dog cinnamon oil
- Let your dog chew on a cinnamon stick
- Let your dog inhale cinnamon powder (can cause your dog to choke, cough, and difficulty breathing).
How to Protect Your Dog from Spice Poisoning
To prevent your dog from finding an opportunity to get into your nutmeg or digging into a batch of baked goods, keep cabinets closed and nutmeg out of reach. Remember to let your family members and guests know they should not share a bite of their human food without checking with you first because they might not realize how dangerous certain foods, like nutmeg, can be toxic to your dog.
Remember to call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4436 if you have any questions or concerns about anything your dog has ingested.
Wondering what you can and can’t feed your dog? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Foods You Can and Can’t Feed Your Dog.
Has your dog suffered from nutmeg poisoning? Please share your experience with the Canine Campus dog lover community by leaving a comment below…
Rotha says
The old saw about old dogs and new tricks only applies to certain people.