food
Nutmeg
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Nutmeg is toxic to dogs. It can cause hallucinations, seizures and high blood pressure.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately if your dog ate whole nutmeg or a large amount.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention if your dog is agitated, having seizures or very uncoordinated.
Symptoms to look for
- agitation
- disorientation
- hallucinations
- seizures
- high heart rate
- high blood pressure
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
Why
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that affects the nervous system. Small amounts in baked goods are unlikely to cause severe signs, but whole nutmeg or large amounts of ground nutmeg can cause agitation, disorientation, seizures and heart problems.
- Substances of concern
- myristicin
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"whole nutmeg","large amounts of ground nutmeg","nutmeg-containing foods"}
- Preparation
- Do not give dogs foods seasoned with nutmeg.
- How much matters
- A small amount in a baked good is usually mild; whole nutmeg can be dangerous.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.