If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).
Why
Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, and it contains a compound called myristicin. In large amounts, myristicin can cause disorientation, hallucinations, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, stomach pain and possibly seizures. Pet Poison Helpline says these signs can last up to 48 hours.
The dose makes the difference. Pet Poison Helpline veterinarians say the small amount of nutmeg used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious problems, although it may upset the stomach. Trouble is far more likely when a dog gets into a jar of ground nutmeg, whole nutmegs or a spice mix.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting or stomach pain
- Disorientation or acting confused
- Fast heart rate or panting
- Tremors or lack of coordination
- Seizures (with large amounts)
- Signs that can last up to 48 hours
What to do if your dog eats it
- Do not add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to your dog's food or treats.
- If your dog ate a spice jar, whole nutmegs or a lot of spiced food, call your vet or a pet poison hotline and say how much was eaten.
- Do not try home remedies or make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Store spices in a closed cupboard, not on the counter.
My dog ate a piece of pumpkin pie with nutmeg. Is that dangerous?
A piece of pumpkin pie is usually not dangerous because of the nutmeg. A slice of pie contains only a small amount of spice spread through a lot of filling, and Pet Poison Helpline says that is very unlikely to cause serious toxicity. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea over the next day, and call your vet if your dog seems unwell.
The rest of the dessert deserves a look. Pie and whipped cream are rich and fatty, which can upset a dog's stomach and contribute to pancreatitis. Sugar-free pies and baked goods may contain xylitol, which is an emergency for dogs. Plain cooked or canned pumpkin, without spices or sugar, is a much better holiday treat.
Which holiday foods and drinks contain nutmeg?
Nutmeg is a background spice in many winter recipes, so it is easy to forget it is there. In most of these the amount is small, and other ingredients are the bigger concern.
- Eggnog: often spiked with alcohol, which is dangerous for dogs, and rich enough to upset the stomach.
- Pumpkin pie spice, chai spice and mulled spice blends: concentrated, so a spilled jar or packet matters more than a slice of pie.
- Gingerbread, spice cookies and fruitcake: may also contain raisins, chocolate or macadamia nuts.
- Spiced lattes and holiday drinks: add caffeine and sugar on top of the spice.
What will the vet do if my dog ate a lot of nutmeg?
Bring the jar or packet if you have it, and estimate how much is missing. Vets do not work from a single number. They look at the amount compared with the dog's size and at what else was eaten, so tell them about any other spices, sweeteners or foods.
Depending on how recently it happened, the vet may make your dog vomit, then monitor the heart rate and blood pressure and give fluids. A dog that is confused or agitated may need a quiet, safe space and medication to stay calm, and seizures are treated if they occur. With prompt care, most dogs recover, although signs can take up to two days to fade.
Common questions
Is nutmeg good for dogs?
No. Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, and it contains a compound called myristicin.
Is nutmeg bad for dogs?
Yes. Signs of poisoning to watch for: vomiting or stomach pain, disorientation or acting confused and fast heart rate or panting.
Are dogs allowed to have nutmeg?
No, keep it away from your dog. If your dog eats some anyway: do not add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to your dog's food or treats.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline. Nutmeg and Cinnamon Toxicity.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.