Never feed

Can dogs eat nutmeg?

Do not feed nutmeg. In quantity it causes hallucinations and seizures, though the trace in a slice of pumpkin pie is not a poisoning risk.

Call now

+1 (888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
+1 (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
01202 509000Animal PoisonLine · UK · 24/7. Lower cost than a direct vet call.
1300 869 738Animal Poisons Centre · AU · 24/7, free for the public.

Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet has told you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have your dog's weight, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when, ready before you call.

What to do

Call a vet if a meaningful quantity was eaten. For a lick of spiced food, watch for a few hours.

Signs to watch for

disorientation
hallucination-like behaviour
raised heart rate
high blood pressure
dry mouth
abdominal pain
seizures

When: 3–8 hours.

What makes it harmful

Myristicin

Myristicin has anticholinergic and hallucinogenic effects and disrupts cellular respiration.

How much matters

Signs generally require a substantial amount — roughly a whole nutmeg or more for a medium dog. A dusting on a dessert is a much smaller concern than the baked goods it usually arrives in.

Also check for

eggnog
pumpkin pie
spice blends

How confident is this

established

Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Pet Poison Helpline

Check another food

Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.