Are Poppy Seeds Poisonous To Dogs?

Are poppy seeds poisonous to dogs? The short answer is yes. Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy, the same plant that produces heroin and other narcotic drugs. While the seeds are not narcotics, they contain a small number of alkaloids that can be toxic to dogs. Ingesting even a small number of poppy seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and even death. You must immediately contact your vet if you suspect your dog ate poppy seeds.

In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if a dog eats poppy seeds, the exact symptoms of poppy seeds poisoning dogs, and so much more. Stay Tuned!

Can dogs eat poppy seeds?

The answer is no. Though these small, dark seeds are often used in baking and on top of bagels, they can be dangerous for dogs. Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy plant, and while they don’t contain enough of the alkaloids that make opium poppy plants so potent, they can still cause problems for your furry friend. Ingesting even a small amount of poppy seeds can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs.

If your dog accidentally ate the poppy seed, what would happen to him?

Those who have seen “The Wizard of Oz” must recall Dorothy. Can you recall her “falling asleep” in the poppy field? She fainted because the poppy seeds in those stunning crimson blooms had poisoned her. As Dorothy discovered fast, despite appearances, the blooms are quite lethal.

Dogs should not ingest any part of the poppy seed plant, including the poppy seed, the poppy flower, or the poppy plant itself, due to the presence of opioids, which are highly addictive and potentially lethal. All poppies are toxic to dogs because of the presence of opiates. However, the amounts can vary widely between species. A small dog is more likely to die from an overdose than a large dog.

As a result, take EXTRA precautions if you take your dog for a stroll in a meadow full of wild species of flower. It’s not safe to give your dog human food because it can be an unsafe food for dogs. The same is true for any houseplants or shaped flower you might have. If you have a dog, it’s better not to have any plants around the house that might be harmful if consumed. Though they’re very bright, our dogs don’t always have a good sense of whether or not something is dangerous for them to consume.

What makes the poppy seed poisonous?

According to the findings of several studies, one gram of edible poppy seeds would generally contain anywhere from 0.5 to 10 micrograms of morphine. To relieve humankind from experiencing high drug or narcotic effects, a significant amount of the substance would need to be consumed. On the other hand, any quantity can be dangerously hazardous for dogs.

Poppy species differ in the alkaloids they contain, and some of these alkaloids are neurotoxic, according to the Pet Poison Helpline (e.g., brain). If any portion of the plant is consumed, the user may experience either drowsiness or a sense of excitement (such as euphoria). This brings on the symptoms described in the previous paragraph in dogs. If you consume food containing poppy seeds, you must ensure that your canine companion does not come into contact with them. Or, even better, give some thought to the possibility of not even bringing it into your house – just in case. Accidents are inevitable, but this is one accident that you should make every effort to prevent.

What are the signs of poppy poisoning in dogs?

Poisoning your dog with poppy seeds is one of those things that seems like it shouldn’t happen. But it does. And it can be deadly. So if you see any poppy seed poisoning in your pet, don’t wait. Call your veterinarian immediately. Moreover, you should read our article about the effects of poppy seeds on dogs.

The sooner you get help for the sick pup, the better. There are several possible ways that a dog could ingest poppy seed bread or poppy seed muffins. They might eat them accidentally while playing, find them in the yard, try to chew on them or swallow them unintentionally when eating treats. In either case, once your dog ingests poppy seed heads, there’s no telling what happens next.

In dogs, poppy seed poisoning often manifests with the following signs and common symptoms. Your vet will know exactly what to look for and whether or not your dog needs immediate medical attention.

• Lack or loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Breathing difficulties 
• Weakness
• Depression
• Coma
• Death

How can you diagnose poppy poisoning in dogs at home?

The first thing the doctor will do when they arrive is given your dog a thorough medical examination. As a result, she can examine your dog and determine its current condition. The body’s toxin metabolism will be measured by laboratory testing. To know how your body is doing, have a complete blood count (CBC) and chemical panel. The packed cell volume, often known as PCV, is one-way hydration that may be measured. We need to test your urine to determine the health of your kidneys.

The veterinarian may opt for an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an ultrasound to assess cardiac problems. She will learn various things about your dog’s health and the impact on his heart from each approach.

How does the treatment of poppy poisoning in dogs take place?

If your dog still has some poppy in its system, your vet may choose to make them vomit. She may also provide you with activated charcoal to help flush out any lingering poisons in your system. Your pet may need to be hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids.

If your dog has trouble breathing, your vet might try to help him breathe better by putting a tube down his throat to get air into his lungs. He might also put him in an enclosure where he can receive extra air. These procedures are called “oxygenating” and “ventilating,” respectively. Your vet might decide to do one of them instead of another if he thinks one would work better.

Keep your dog in a quiet, dark area until the poppy toxicity wears off, which may help alleviate symptoms such as lethargy, sadness, constricted pupils, or anxiety.

Putting your dog on cardiac monitoring equipment is standard procedure if he is showing symptoms of heart trouble. This will provide the vet with a continuous readout of his vitals, including his pulse, allowing for prompt action in the event of a precipitous decrease. The veterinarian will give extra drugs to avoid subsequent issues if they are needed.

How soon can a dog recover from poppy poisoning?

The amount of poppy consumed by your dog and how quickly a veterinarian treats him are the two most important aspects determining how well he recovers from the effects of poppy poisoning. The prognosis for a full recovery is favorable if your dog just nibbled on the leaves or consumed a tiny amount of the substance in question.

The prognosis may range from good to fair depending on whether or not your dog gets veterinary attention in a timely way after ingesting a larger quantity than normal. The prognosis for a full recovery, on the other hand, is guarded to poor if your dog consumed a significant quantity or if it did not receive any medical attention at all.

If your dog’s lab work returns to normal, he starts acting normally, and he starts eating again, you may take him home. Poppy does not naturally occur in many places because of its potential for usage in illegal activities. Avoid this plant at all costs if you and your dog happen upon it while out on a walk. When possible, prevention is always preferable to treatment.

Poppy poisoning treatment must be paid for out of pocket, which can be a significant financial strain. Fortunately, claims submitted to most pet insurance providers are paid out within three business days, returning 90 percent of the cost to the policyholder. Are you interested in purchasing insurance for your pet? Research the industry’s most reputable pet insurance providers to get the best policy for your animal companion.