Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds? (A Bad Poison Or Good Treat?)

Can our four-legged companion profit from poppy seeds in the same way as humans do? This raises the question, “Can dogs eat poppy seeds?”

Poppy seeds are very safe and beneficial to humans but the same can’t be said for dogs because of some properties found in them which can be harmful to dogs.

In this article, we are going to learn how poppy seeds affect the health of dogs, how safe it is, and if there are any side effects.

Also, we have explained what to do if your dog takes poppy seed and mistakenly eats it as well as how to help your hound.

Not only that, but we have also answered some frequently asked questions on whether dogs can eat poppyseeds.

So, without much ado, let’s get into the details.

Table of Contents

What To Know About Poppy Seeds?

The opium poppy, also known as Papaver somniferum L., is harvested for its edible seeds.

For thousands of years, people have harvested poppy seeds for food.

You can consume the seeds whole, add them as a garnish to baked dishes, or grind them into a poppy seed meal.

With little under 29,000 tons gathered in 2016, the Czech Republic is the top producer of poppy seeds worldwide.

Spain and Turkey are the following two biggest producers.

They continue to be widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, however, they are also used in food.

Indeed, the poppy has gained a bad reputation because of the criminal drug trade.

Because of this, it is even prohibited in several regions of the world. But its medical usefulness cannot be overestimated.

Alkaloids found in poppy plants, such as morphine and codeine, have been utilized to make laudanum, opium, and heroin.

We wouldn’t experience any intoxicating effects, though, because the seeds we use in cooking have a very low alkaloid concentration.

Having said that, research indicates that consuming these seeds in moderation can have a soothing impact and reduce our aches and pains.

Minerals including manganese, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, and manganese are also present in trace amounts in them.

They are both an antioxidant and high in oleic acid, which can reduce cholesterol levels and are a wonderful source of dietary fiber.

All of this is wonderful news for humans. Can the same be true for our animal pals, though?

Continue reading to find out.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds?

Because they are extremely vulnerable to poppy seed poisoning, dogs cannot safely eat poppy seeds, poppy buds, or any species of the poppy plant.

Codeine and morphine are two of the alkaloids found in poppies.

Even though they have medical uses for treating pain, consuming too much of them can harm your dog’s central nervous system.

Different dog breeds can have food allergies, thus your dog may react negatively to some poppy seeds that wouldn’t do so in a dog of a different breed or size.

The first thing that should cross your mind if you ever consider giving your dog poppy seeds is that they are deadly to dogs.

Now let’s learn about poppy poisoning and its symptoms in dogs.

What Is Poppy Seed Poisoning?

Poppy poisoning is an attack on the canine central nervous system brought on by high quantities of opiates known as alkaloids.

Codeine and morphine are two examples of alkaloids that can be found in poppies.

The seeds of the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) can be safely processed by the human digestive system but not by a dog’s digestive system.

Poppy poisoning is a severe health concern, thus dog owners should prevent their canine companions from ingesting the seeds.

That said, continue reading as we learn about the symptoms of poppy poisoning in dogs.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Poppy Poisoning In Dogs?

The following signs should be observed if you believe your dog has poppy poisoning after eating poppy seeds:

Trembling
Lack of appetite
Respiratory depression (breathing difficulties)
Slowed heart rate
Pinpoint pupils
Ataxia (poor muscle control)
Depression
Watery eyes
Seizures
Sedation
Coma
Death

You should seek veterinary help as soon as you can if your dog exhibits any of these signs.

In case your pup mistakenly eats poppy seeds here is what you should do to help out.

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What Can I Do If My Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds?

Watch for any signs or symptoms listed above in your dog’s health if you find out that they consumed something that contained poppy seed.

Take them to the veterinarian right away if you observe any of the signs listed above.

If you believe your pet has ingested the poppy or seeds, you must call your veterinarian and go to the hospital.

The poppy plant, which has a recognizable red blossom, is one of the most well-known wildflowers.

Despite its stunning allure, the poppy is toxic if swallowed; if your dog ingests this plant, it’s a serious situation.

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So How Can I Help My Dog?

The main concern is keeping your hound from eating poppy seeds as well as access to anything containing poppy seeds out of the way.

If you think your dog may have eaten poppy seeds, take them to the vet right away.

Some people might not even be aware that poppies are fatal to dogs because little dosages may not cause harm.

However, when you take your dog to the vet, let them know that you think they may have ingested some poppy seeds so they can treat them properly.

Having said that, it’s crucial to remember that you must first check with your veterinarian to make sure any human food you intend to feed your pet is safe for them.

Conclusion

So far, it’s clear that while poppy seeds can cause poppy seed poisoning in dogs, they are incredibly helpful to people.

Moreover, giving your dogs poppy seeds has no nutritional benefit to their well-being.

In fact, because of the codeine and morphine characteristics included in poppy seeds, it may result in major health problems for dogs.

To learn more about whether dogs can eat poppy seeds, scroll up and read the content.

Therefore, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you suspect it may have eaten poppy seeds.

Be sure to inform the veterinarian when you arrive that your dog may have consumed some poppy seeds so they can administer the proper care.

However, don’t forget to share this knowledge with your friends and family so others can benefit as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seed Plants?

No, don’t let your dog consume plants that contain poppy seeds. These flowers may be lovely, but dogs should avoid them at all costs.

There are many different species, but they are all poisonous to dogs. Put up a fence around any flowers you have in your yard to keep your dog away from them.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seed Heads?

No, don’t let your dog eat the heads of poppy seeds because they are extremely poisonous.

All of the seeds are concentrated in one location in this area of the plant and if eaten by your dog can result in a high level of toxicity.

If your dog appears to have consumed poppy seed heads, please call your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds Bread?

There are several good reasons not to give your pooch poppy seed bread.

The poppy seeds in one slice might not be enough to hurt your dog, but they could still disturb their stomach.

Poppy seed bread is typically baked with additional sugars and is sweeter. Moreover, dogs should avoid carbohydrates and sugars.

Obesity and its associated health consequences, such as diabetes and heart disease, will result from these two factors stated above.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds Dressing?

The answer is no, dogs shouldn’t consume poppy seed dressing.

There are additional components in the dressing that are harmful to your dog, even if there may not be enough poppy seeds in it to trigger a severe reaction.

You shouldn’t give any sauces or salad dressings to your hound.

They are unhealthy for your dog since they contain too much sugar and carbohydrates.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds Muffins?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat muffins with poppy seeds. If they consume too many muffins, they might experience a harmful reaction, although one muffin might merely give them an unsettled stomach.

It’s recommended to keep them away from baked products because the sugar and carbohydrates could increase their risk for obesity, even if they don’t have an instant reaction to the muffins.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds Pound Cake?

You should not give your dog any of the poppy seed pound cake, even though they likely want to eat the entire thing.

The pound cake may not contain enough poppy seeds to produce a severe reaction, but the amount of sugar and carbohydrates are bad for their health.

Why Are Poppy Seeds So Bad For Your Dog’s Health?

Poppy seeds contain opiates, which are an active ingredient in the painkiller morphine and can have a major negative impact on the nervous system of your dog if consumed.

Furthermore, it contains alkaloids, which harm your dog’s brain and central nervous system.

Also, it contributes to opioid toxicity, sometimes known as poppy poisoning.

Why Are Poppy Seeds Bad For The Health Of Your Dogs?

Poppy seeds contain opiates, which are an active ingredient in the painkiller morphine and can have a major negative impact on the nervous system of your dog if consumed.

Moreover, it contains alkaloids, which harm your dog’s brain and central nervous system.

Also, it contributes to opioid toxicity, sometimes known as poppy poisoning.