By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Nutmeg turns up in Christmas baking, eggnog, pumpkin pie and chai. A dog that licks a spoon of spiced batter is unlikely to come to harm from the nutmeg itself, though the other ingredients may be a problem. The real concern is larger amounts: a jar knocked off the bench, a whole nutmeg rolled under the fridge, or a tray of heavily spiced biscuits. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause disorientation, a racing heart and, rarely, seizures in dogs.
Key takeaways
- Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that affects the nervous system and heart.
- The small amount in a slice of cake or a biscuit is unlikely to poison a dog, but the cake may contain other toxic ingredients.
- Larger amounts of ground nutmeg, or a whole nutmeg, can cause disorientation, hallucination-like behaviour, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, stomach pain and seizures.
- Signs can last up to two days.
- Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if your dog ate more than a trace.
- Related: macadamia nuts and dogs, grapes and raisins, xylitol poisoning.
Why nutmeg is a problem
Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. Its warm aroma comes from essential oils, including myristicin. In large amounts myristicin acts on the nervous system and can cause confusion and agitation in people and animals. In dogs it can also raise heart rate and blood pressure and irritate the stomach.
Despite the name, nutmeg is not a true nut, and it is not related to macadamias. The risk is about the chemical content, not nut allergy.
How much is a concern?
The amount in a typical recipe, spread across a whole cake or batch of biscuits, is small. A dog that steals a slice usually takes in very little nutmeg. Problems are more likely when a dog eats:
- A spilled jar or packet of ground nutmeg
- A whole nutmeg (some dogs chew and swallow them like a nut)
- Spice mixes such as pumpkin pie spice or mixed spice in quantity
- Nutmeg oil or concentrated flavourings
Small dogs are affected by smaller amounts. If you are unsure, it is always fine to call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline with your dog's weight and what was eaten.
Watch the other ingredients
Foods with nutmeg are often more dangerous for other reasons:
- Christmas pudding, fruit cake, hot cross buns and fruit mince. Contain raisins, sultanas or currants, which can cause kidney injury in dogs.
- Eggnog and brandy custard. May contain alcohol.
- Chocolate desserts and spiced hot chocolate. Contain theobromine.
- Sugar-free baking. May contain xylitol.
- Raw dough. Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
- Rich, fatty baking. Can trigger pancreatitis.
Often the nutmeg is the least of the worries.
Signs of nutmeg toxicity
Signs can start within a few hours and may last up to 48 hours:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Disorientation, staring or behaving as if seeing things
- Agitation or restlessness
- Fast heart rate
- Dry mouth and panting
- Wobbliness
- Seizures, in severe cases
What to do
- Remove any remaining nutmeg or spiced food.
- Work out roughly how much was eaten and when, and keep the packaging.
- Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet straight away if your dog ate a large amount of ground nutmeg or a whole nutmeg, or shows disorientation, a racing heart, tremors, seizures or collapse. Also go in if the food contained raisins, chocolate, xylitol or alcohol.
How vets treat it
If your dog is seen soon after eating and is stable, your vet may decide to induce vomiting and give activated charcoal. Treatment is otherwise supportive: a quiet, dim space, monitoring heart rate and blood pressure, fluids, and medicines to settle agitation, vomiting or seizures if needed. Most dogs recover fully within a day or two.
Prevention
- Store spices in a closed cupboard, not on low racks.
- Keep whole nutmegs in a sealed jar.
- Put baking out of reach to cool.
- Ask guests not to share festive desserts with your dog.
FAQ
My dog ate a gingerbread biscuit with nutmeg. Should I worry?
Usually the nutmeg amount is very small. Check the recipe for chocolate, raisins or xylitol and watch for stomach upset.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Small amounts in food are generally low risk, though cinnamon powder or oil can irritate the mouth and stomach. Avoid feeding it on purpose.
Can nutmeg kill a dog?
Serious poisoning is uncommon and usually needs a large amount. Seek care promptly so your vet can support your dog through any signs.
Is pumpkin safe if nutmeg is not?
Plain cooked pumpkin is generally safe in small amounts. Spiced pumpkin pie is not a suitable treat.
Talk with a vet
If your dog got into the spice cupboard or a tray of festive baking, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you check the ingredients and decide what to do. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Pet Poison Helpline. Nutmeg and cinnamon toxicity.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and non-toxic plants.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia). 1300 869 738.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.