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Nutmeg is enjoyed by many people around the world! It’s the perfect addition to main courses, desserts, and more! But what happens if your dog sees you eating something with nutmeg in it? Chances are he will come bounding over and expect his fair share! But is nutmeg safe for dogs?
Has your dog eaten nutmeg? Are you worried the nutmeg will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about nutmeg and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is a spice made to season a wide range of dishes, desserts, and beverages. The spice is made from a seed that grows on the Myristica frangrans. This tree is an evergreen with dark leaves and is grown for its seeds.
Nutmeg is used as a spice, but it’s also used to produce essential oil, nutmeg butter, and more. What’s more, the spice also has medicinal uses. Nutmeg is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, soothe digestive issues, improve cognitive abilities, and more.
Humans have been using nutmeg for centuries! But what about dogs? Can nutmeg make a dog sick?
Nutmeg & Dogs
Unfortunately, nutmeg is toxic to dogs. The spice contains a toxin called myristicin, which is found in the oil of the seed. However, if your dog eats only a small amount of nutmeg, he will probably be OK. For instance, if he happens to eat a small bite of a cookie that has nutmeg in it, your fur baby will be OK.
The severity of nutmeg toxicity is determined by how much nutmeg a dog eats, along with the size of the dog. Dogs that ingest a large amount of nutmeg can become very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Nutmeg Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten nutmeg:
- Vomiting
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Disorientation
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils (or constricted pupils)
- Decreased saliva production (saliva may appear sticky)
- Abdominal pain
- seizures
- Agitation
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Nutmeg Toxicity in Dogs
The vet will first try to decontaminate your dog’s system by inducing vomiting, using activated charcoal, or another method.
Next, the vet will treat other symptoms as they arise. In some cases, your fur baby may need an IV for fluids and to administer medications. He may also require supplemental oxygen.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s condition, he may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical care after eating nutmeg. In the future, it’s best to keep the spice and all foods that contain nutmeg out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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