Poppy Seeds For Your Puppies: The Effects Of Poppy Seeds On Dogs

This question has been asked many times, and the answer is always “no”.

In this article, we’ll explain why puppies can’t have poppies.

Why Are Poppy Seeds Bad for Dogs?

Poppy seeds, flowers, and plants are poisonous to dogs.

Poppies contain two alkaloids: codeine (opiates) and morphine.

These alkaloids are used medically for their pain-relieving properties, but misuse of these, even in humans and especially in dogs, can cause damage to the central nervous system or opioid poisoning.

Although poppy seeds may contain minimal amounts of the alkaloids and low levels of opiates mentioned, it’s still best not to let your dog eat any to eliminate any risks. 

Different breeds of dogs will have different reactions and sensitivities to different foods – that includes foods with poppy seeds.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Poppy Seeds?

If consumed by dogs, poppy seeds can cause severe problems.

Dogs that have ingested poppy seeds or the poppy plant in any form will react differently.

Depending on your dog, even a small amount of poppy seeds may affect them negatively.

If they ingested a poppy seed bread or poppy seed muffin that contains an insignificant amount of poppy seeds, they’d most likely be fine.

But if they ate the whole bag of poppy seeds you keep for baking the bread, then that’s another story. You should call your vet immediately, even if your dog doesn’t show any symptoms of poppy poisoning.

Since poppy seeds and any part of the plant contain codeine (opiates) and morphine, it can really affect the dog’s brain or central nervous system – and even humans that consume them.

Keep an eye on your dog and note any of these symptoms so you can notify your vet about them. Symptoms may vary depending on the toxicity levels in your puppy.

Symptoms of Poppy Seed Poisoning in Dogs

• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Respiratory depression or Breathing difficulties
• Excessive whining
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Trembling
• Ataxia (abnormal movements)
• Depression
• Sedation
• Sudden energy rush 
• Coma

Ingesting large quantities of poppy seeds can cause death to dogs, so if any of these symptoms show up, even if it’s just a lack of appetite, don’t waste any time and bring them to a veterinarian.

Treatment of Poppy Seed Poisoning in Dogs

Prevention is better than cure, so first of all, do everything to prevent your dog from ingesting poppy seeds or any part of the poppy seed plant.

But accidents happen, and the best thing you can do if your dog was able to get into some poppy seeds is to call your veterinarian. 

Even if they only ingested a tiny amount, don’t ignore it.

As mentioned before, different breeds and individual dogs will have different sensitivities and reactions to poppy seeds, and we don’t want to wait to see how sensitive your dog is to it before seeking veterinary advice, or it might be too late. 

There are many possible treatments for poppy toxicity in dogs. These include inducing vomiting, intubation, administering activated charcoal, and fluid therapy.

Please don’t try to do these yourself unless instructed by a veterinarian. 

So, Can You Give Your Dog Poppy Seeds?

No. Although they may be fine (if fortunate), you should avoid giving your dog any poppy seeds, human food with poppy seeds, or any part of the poppy plant.

Even if poppy seeds only contain trace amounts of opiates, don’t give them any.

No risk is better than low risk.

Just eat the poopy seeds yourself!

You can make a plethora of foods (for humans!) with poppy seeds like poppy seed tarts, poppy seed buns, poppy seed bagel, poppy seed pound cake, and many more. 

Health Benefits Of Poppy Seeds (For Humans!)

1. Helps improve digestive health.

2. Helps with blood flow and red blood cell formation.

3. Helps with antioxidant defence.

4. Helps with quality sleep. 

5. Helps improve bone health.

Read more about these here.

Important Reminder

Please be reminded not to eat poppy seeds if you are getting a drug test. Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy, so they will make your results positive of opiates.

Consumer a small amount should be fine, but it’s best not to eat any to be safe. 

When consumed, poppy seeds will be traceable in your system as soon as hours after consumption and stay in your system for up to 48 hours or two days.

Here are some Poppy Seed Dressing Recipes you can try!

Final Words

Poppy seeds can be harmful if ingested by dogs. They’re not even nutritious for them.

There’s really no reason for your dogs to eat poppy seeds unless directed by a veterinarian for medical purposes.

If you really want some puppy seeds or seeds for your puppy, give them unsalted pumpkin seeds occasionally; those have some health benefits for dogs – but that’s for another article!

The moral of the tale is—keep your dog away from poppy seeds!

Hope this article helped. See you on another one!

Here we answered whether dogs can eat watermelon seeds or not.