Pourquoi ?

Nutmeg contains myristicin, an organic compound that is metabolized into amphetamine-like substances in the body. In dogs, myristicin causes a toxic syndrome that includes disorientation, sensitivity to touch, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

The danger with nutmeg is that it appears in "dog-safe" holiday treats — pumpkin pie, eggnog, baked goods — where small amounts are present but enough to cause concern. A teaspoon of nutmeg is a potentially lethal dose for a dog.

Quelle quantité est dangereuse ?

Toxicity begins at approximately 1–2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg. Trace amounts in baked goods cause milder GI irritation but should still be avoided.

Quels sont les symptômes ?

DÉBUT :Signs develop within 1–6 hours and can last 24–48 hours.
  • disorientation or hallucination
  • excessive thirst
  • drooling
  • abdominal pain
  • seizures
  • rapid heart rate
  • high blood pressure
  • sensitivity to touch

Que dois-je faire ?

Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (+1 888-426-4435). Treatment is supportive — sedation to prevent seizures, IV fluids, and monitoring.

Questions fréquentes

Is a tiny pinch of nutmeg in pumpkin pie dangerous?

Trace amounts in a slice of pie are unlikely to cause serious toxicity, but pumpkin pie also often contains xylitol in sugar-free versions — check all ingredients.

What about mace?

Mace is derived from the outer covering of the nutmeg seed and contains similar compounds. Treat it with the same caution.