Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a common ingredient in many fall and holiday recipes, from pumpkin pie to spiced lattes. While it makes our seasonal treats smell amazing, it can cause serious problems for pets if ingested, especially in larger quantities.
How Nutmeg Harms Pets
Toxic compound: Nutmeg contains myristicin, a naturally occurring chemical that affects the nervous system.
How it works: In high enough amounts, myristicin overstimulates the brain and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can also lead to tremors, disorientation, or even seizures.
Where it’s found: Toxicity is most likely when pets eat baked goods, pumpkin pie filling, or powdered nutmeg directly. Even small sprinkles may cause mild stomach upset, but serious illness usually occurs with larger ingestions.
Who’s at risk: Both dogs and cats are sensitive, but cats are especially vulnerable to spice-related toxicity.
Signs of Nutmeg Poisoning
Disorientation or confusion
Tremors or unsteadiness
Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure
Abdominal pain or vomiting
Dry mouth or panting
Seizures (in severe cases)
Signs can appear within a few hours and may last up to 48 hours depending on the amount eaten.
What to Do if Your Pet Eats Nutmeg or Spiced Foods
Call ASPCA Poison Control immediately at 888-426-4435 for expert guidance.
Do not try to induce vomiting unless directed by poison control or your veterinarian.
Seek veterinary care if symptoms develop or ingestion was significant— poison control will guide you.
Veterinary Care
Depending on exposure and quantity, your veterinarian may:
Induce vomiting if ingestion was recent and the pet is stable
Provide activated charcoal to limit absorption of toxins
Administer IV fluids to help clear the system and prevent dehydration
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and neurological signs
Give medications to control tremors or seizures if needed
With prompt treatment, most pets recover fully.
Prevention
Do not share baked goods or spiced foods with pets. It’s a good idea to avoid giving table scraps and people food, in general.
Keep nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice containers out of reach.
Stick to plain, cooked pumpkin if you want to give your dog or cat a seasonal treat.
Educate family and guests not to feed table scraps during holiday gatherings.
Final Thought
Nutmeg is safe for people but potentially toxic for pets. Even a small amount can cause stomach upset, and larger exposures can lead to neurologic and heart problems. Keep all spiced foods out of reach and call ASPCA Poison Control immediately if your pet eats nutmeg or any holiday desserts made with it.
Dr. Gal Chivvis
📌 Information adapted and expanded with reference to ASPCA Poison Control.
