One of our favourite spices that we like to include in our foods is nutmeg. Thanks to its antibacterial properties and ability to enhance taste. We would like it if our dogs could reap these benefits. Before that, we have to know: Can dogs have nutmeg?
Unfortunately, nutmeg is on the list of things dogs shouldn’t eat. This spice is available in the form of seed and powder, and both of these forms are harmful to dogs. It is because nutmeg has a toxic compound that can trigger a dog’s symptoms, especially when they take it in high quantities.
Check out this article to find out how and why nutmeg can bring disaster to our canine friends.
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All About Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a ground spice or seed that comes from Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree. This tree offers nutmeg from seed, and the seed covering gives mace. However, nutmeg belongs to the genus Myristica, and its compound is Myristica.
Generally, we use nutmeg as a spice by grinding its seeds into a fine powder. Its fragrance and sweet taste can make dishes flavorful. People mostly use it on puddings, sweets, bakery items, meats, beverages, and so on. This spice has great popularity in India, Europe, and Indonesia. But its main producer is Indonesia.
Can Dogs Have Nutmeg?
Nutmeg doesn’t fall into the category of safe foods for dogs. It is because the seed and ground spices contain myristicin, which can be toxic to pets if taken in moderation or high amounts. Maybe your dog can escape the side effects of the food that has a sprinkle of nutmeg. But he can’t escape the side effects when the food has one teaspoon of nutmeg.
One of the main reasons why veterinarians restrict dogs and cats from eating bakery items is because of the nutmeg. If you want to keep your paw friend on the safe side, avoid giving him this spice.
How Much Nutmeg Is Harmful For Dogs?
The rule of thumb says that more than 5 grams of nutmeg can be toxic to dogs. Meanwhile, more than one teaspoon of the ground source or more than three nutmeg seeds are toxic to dogs. However, this quantity doesn’t apply to all dogs.
A small dog reacts after eating one whole apple, while a large dog reacts after eating three apples. It is because their ability to digest foods is different. 5 grams of nutmeg is not toxic for a small dog or a large dog. A small dog can show symptoms from having half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a large dog can show symptoms after eating one tablespoon of it.
What Are The Risks Of Having Nutmeg For Dogs?
As said earlier, nutmeg turns out to be an unsafe alternative for dogs when they consume it in high amounts. This can result in nutmeg poisoning. The compound myristicin present in nutmeg is hallucinogenic. That’s why dogs can hallucinate from eating this spice.
Nutmeg poisoning will also make your dog vomit, have diarrhoea, lethargy, abdominal pain, seizures, dry mouth, an increased heart rate, etc. These symptoms may last for two days after the consumption of nutmeg.
Not only the nutmeg’s ground spice but also its seeds can pose health threats to dogs.
Can Dogs Have Nutmeg Sometimes?
We know more than five grammes of nutmeg are unsafe for dogs. Meanwhile, the foods we eat that have nutmeg have less than five grammes of nutmeg. For example, a pumpkin pie or a cookie has fewer amounts of nutmeg. And we don’t allow our dogs to eat them because of this spice. Maybe eating a small portion of these dishes won’t harm our canine friends.
Although an occasional treat of bakery items with nutmeg can be safe for dogs, it is not recommended. This is because the toxin, called myristicin, can be risky for some mammals, even in small amounts.
What Should You Do When Your Dog Eats Nutmeg?
A tiny amount of nutmeg may not be hazardous for our canine friends. Eating it in high quantities can cause them to show several symptoms. He may show discomfort, restlessness, lack of coordination, and act abnormally. In such cases, you have to offer him some water to calm down. He may start throwing up after a certain time; let him do that. Also, monitor every symptom of him to inform his vet accordingly.
When you tell his vet about the symptoms, keep the bottle of nutmeg with you. Perhaps the spice has additional ingredients that make your dog’s condition worse. Seeing the ingredients in the packet, his vet can justify the issue more clearly.
Treatments For Dogs After Eating Nutmeg
Your dog may need urgent treatment after going through nutmeg poisoning. He may need a gastric lavage, i.e., flashing out the toxins from the stomach. His vet may use saline or activated charcoal for this process. Vets usually induce vomiting in dogs within two hours of toxic consumption.
Afterwards, the doctor will give him IV fluids and monitor him for two days. Meanwhile, he can suggest that you do some tests on your dog’s physical health. This includes urine tests, blood tests, and so on. He will give your dog medication and further treatment based on the reports.
What Can You Give To Your Dog Instead Of Nutmeg?
Nutmeg’s job is to enhance the flavour of foods. Unfortunately, this source can’t go along with our paw friends. Don’t worry; you can opt for its alternative. Cinnamon and ginger can be good additions to foods in small amounts. They will not only increase the taste but also offer antioxidant properties and several health benefits. Such as soothing the digestive system, stomach, mouth, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Nutmeg?
What spices should dogs not eat?
Certain spices can be harmful to dogs. Such as salt, cocoa powder, nutmeg, marjoram, caraway, onion powder, sorrel, tarragon, oregano, etc.
Can any pet eat nutmeg?
Nutmeg is unsafe for almost all mammals. Its narcotic element, myristicin, can promote hallucinations in them, resulting in abnormal behaviours. This can also be a threat to their health, with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and so on.
Is mace safe for dogs?
Like nutmeg, mace also has the toxic compound myristicin. Mace comes from the shell covering of nutmeg. Hence, it is going to be as harmful as nutmeg for dogs.
Can nutmeg kill a dog?
Having nutmeg in high doses is always harmful for dogs and other beings. Its toxicity can come from eating one teaspoon of it. However, too much of this spice, like half a cup of nutmeg, can kill dogs if they are not lucky.
Final Thoughts
After learning about some potential downsides of nutmeg, we may think, Can dogs have nutmeg? The answer is always no. We agree that a tiny portion of nutmeg may not be hazardous for dogs, but it is not recommended.
For example, you are hesitating to give pumpkin pie to your pet because of the nutmeg. In that case, you can offer him pumpkin puree, saying it is pumpkin pie. If you think adding a sprinkle of ingredients is necessary, you can use cinnamon instead of nutmeg.
Lastly, we would say, don’t delay giving your paw friend urgent treatment if he eats this ground spice more than necessary.
