Can a Dog Eat Poppy Seeds? Are Poppy Seeds Safe for Dogs?

Published: 4 Feb 2025

Hello,

Poppy seeds are a common staple found in baked goods, salad dressings, and certain dishes. But can dogs eat poppy seeds? The short answer is no. Poppy seeds are not safe for dogs. Even in small amounts, they can be toxic.

As a veterinarian with over four years of experience in canine nutrition, I have treated cases of poppy seed poisoning. I’ve seen how quickly the toxic effects can take hold, so it’s crucial to recognize the signs early and act quickly.

In this post, we’ll break down why poppy seeds are harmful, the signs of toxicity in dogs, what to do if your dog eats them, and safe alternatives for your furry friend.

Table of Content

What Makes Poppy Seeds Potentially Harmful to Dogs?
What Happens if a Dog Eats Poppy Seeds?
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Poppy Seeds?
Food Containing Poppy Seeds Dogs Should Avoid
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds?
FAQs

What Makes Poppy Seeds Potentially Harmful to Dogs?

Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum), which contains natural opioid alkaloids like morphine, codeine, noscapine, papaverine, narceine and thebaine. These alkaloids can significantly interfere with a dog’s nervous system, disrupting its normal functioning.

While the concentration of these compounds is lower in the seeds than in other parts of the poppy plant, it’s crucial to understand that any amount of poppy seeds can be harmful to dogs. While a large dog might tolerate a few seeds better than a small dog, the variability in alkaloid content and individual dog sensitivities makes it impossible to predict what amount will cause a problem. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving dogs poppy seeds altogether.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Poppy Seeds?

If a dog eats poppy seeds, the effects can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount consumed, the dog’s size, and overall health. Symptoms of poppy seed poisoning include:

Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Restlessness or confusion
Tremors or Seizures
Slow or difficult breathing
Lack of appetite
Extreme tiredness or lack of coordination
Dilated pupils

Severe cases of poppy seed poisoning can result in a coma or even be fatal if not treated immediately!

Sick Dog Laying With A Thermometer In Mouth

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Poppy Seeds?

If your dog eats poppy seeds, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

Assess the Situation: First, stay calm and try to determine how many poppy seeds your dog ingested and when.

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call your vet and explain the situation clearly, including the estimated amount ingested and when it happened.

Follow Veterinary Advice: Your vet will likely instruct you to bring your dog in for an examination. They may also give you specific instructions, such as what to bring with you or things to do before you arrive. Listen carefully and follow their directions.

Do Not Try Home Remedies: Do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer any medications without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. Some home remedies can be dangerous and could worsen your dog’s condition.

Bring the Packaging (If Possible): If your dog ate something containing poppy seeds (like a muffin or bagel), bring the packaging with you to the vet. This will help them identify any other potentially harmful ingredients.

Be Prepared for Veterinary Treatment: Your vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to absorb toxins, provide fluids, and monitor your dog’s vital signs. They may also run blood tests to assess the impact of the poppy seeds.

Monitor Your Dog Closely: Even after veterinary treatment, it’s important to monitor your dog for any unusual behaviour or symptoms. If you notice anything concerning, contact your vet again immediately.

Be Quick!

Immediate veterinary care is crucial if your dog ingests poppy seeds. Delaying treatment can significantly reduce the chances of a positive outcome.

As a veterinarian, I’ll never forget the heartbreaking case of Charlie, a sweet golden retriever who came in after accidentally eating a poppy seed muffin. His owners didn’t realize the danger until hours later, and by the time he arrived at the clinic, his symptoms were already severe.

Despite immediate treatment, including activated charcoal and IV fluids, the delay in treatment allowed the toxins to cause irreversible damage to his nervous system. Unfortunately, Charlie’s organs began to fail, and he passed away. That’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly poppy seed poisoning can take a toll on a dog’s health.

Food Containing Poppy Seeds Dogs Should Avoid

To make your life easier, I have made a list of things that contain poppy seeds that dogs should avoid:

Bagels
Muffins
Cakes or Cookies
Salads (with poppy seed dressing)
Poppy seed rolls and breadsticks
Poppy seed oil

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds?

Dogs should not eat poppy seeds. Even small amounts can be harmful, and the toxins in these seeds can affect your dog’s nervous system, leading to serious health issues.

As a veterinarian, I highly recommend being vigilant about what your dog eats and always checking for potentially harmful ingredients like poppy seeds in foods, baked goods, and dressings. If you’re ever unsure, avoid these foods altogether and consult your vet.

Have you ever experienced a scary moment with your dog eating something toxic? Share your story in the comments!

FAQs

Let’s explore some more about poppy seeds and dogs!

Can puppies eat poppy seeds?

No, puppies should not eat poppy seeds. Puppies have more sensitive systems than adult dogs, which makes them even more vulnerable to the toxins in poppy seeds.

Are there any safe alternatives for dogs to poppy seeds?

Yes, there are several safe alternatives to poppy seeds you can offer your dog, such as:

Chia seeds (in moderation)
Flaxseeds (in moderation, ground for easier digestion)
Pumpkin seeds (unsalted, in small amounts)

These alternatives provide nutritional benefits without the risk of toxicity.

Are poppy seed muffins or bagels safe if I remove the seeds before giving them to my dog?

No, removing the poppy seeds does not make poppy seed muffins or bagels safe for dogs. Even if the seeds are removed, the dough, sugar, and other ingredients used in these baked goods may not be safe for dogs.

Are there other common foods that are toxic to dogs that I should watch out for?

Yes, several common foods are toxic to dogs. Here are some to be aware of:

Chocolate
Grapes and raisins
Onions and garlic
Xylitol (a sugar substitute)
Alcohol
Macadamia nuts
Avocado

Can one or two poppy seeds harm my dog?

Dogs vary in their sensitivity to toxins, and it’s difficult to know exactly how much of the toxic compounds are in any given batch of poppy seeds. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any poppy seeds to keep it safe.

Are all types of poppies toxic to dogs?

Yes, most types of poppies, including opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) and California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), are toxic to dogs. They all contain harmful alkaloids that cause health issues.