Also see Nutmeg (food).
Only in large amounts. The pinch of nutmeg in baking, eggnog or mulled wine is very unlikely to harm a dog or cat. Eating a whole nutmeg or a jar of the ground spice is a different matter.
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which in large doses affects the nervous system. The Pet Poison Helpline says the small amounts used in recipes are very unlikely to cause serious toxicity, though they can upset the stomach. Real poisoning almost always comes from a pet getting into the spice cupboard: chewing whole nutmegs or eating ground nutmeg from the jar. If your pet ate something baked, the other ingredients are more often the problem: raisins, chocolate, xylitol or alcohol.
After a small amount: possibly mild vomiting or diarrhoea. After a large amount: disorientation, agitation or hallucinations, a racing heart, high blood pressure, dry mouth, belly pain and, rarely, seizures. Symptoms can last up to 48 hours.
If your pet ate a food containing nutmeg, check the label for more dangerous ingredients, then watch for stomach upset. If it ate whole nutmegs or a lot of ground nutmeg, call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, and bring the jar or packaging.
Data sourced from public ASPCA lists. For general guidance only. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an animal poison control center immediately. · Privacy Policy