There are over 70 types of poppy around the globe, with the red ‘Remembrance Day’ poppy being the most recognized.
While the poppy flower (papaver somniferum) serves as a reminder of lives lost in war, poppies also boast a rich history in culinary and medicinal contexts.
These flowers are nutrient-dense, and recent studies have revealed numerous health benefits for humans.
Our focus today is to determine if it is safe for dogs to consume poppy seeds. Do these tiny seeds provide benefits for our canine companions, or do they pose a risk?
Let’s dig into the facts!
Why Are Poppy Seeds Beneficial?
The Sumerians were among the first to identify the medicinal benefits of poppy plants, which influenced surrounding communities to cultivate and process various poppy products.
Poppies have continued to be popular, primarily for their culinary applications, but also due to their use in the drug industry.
This association with illegal drugs has given poppies a somewhat negative reputation, resulting in bans in certain areas. However, their medicinal value is significant.
Poppies contain alkaloids like codeine and morphine, which have been instrumental in the development of substances such as laudanum, opium, and heroin.
Nevertheless, the seeds we consume in our dishes have minimal alkaloid content, meaning they won’t produce intoxicating effects.
Research indicates that consuming small quantities of these seeds may even provide a soothing effect and alleviate discomfort.
They also boast trace minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc. Rich in oleic acid, they serve as antioxidants and are an excellent source of dietary fiber, potentially aiding in lowering cholesterol.
This is fantastic information for humans, but what implications does this have for our pets?
Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
If you’ve been searching for clarity on whether dogs can consume poppy seeds, you’ve likely encountered conflicting information.
Some sources confidently state, ‘Yes! They are safe for dogs!’, while others argue, ‘No! Poppy seeds are toxic to canines!’
Who is correct?
This confusion likely stems from the fact that the poppy plant itself can pose dangers to dogs (and other pets). Incidents of poppy poisoning have been documented, mostly involving dogs that have eaten seeds, seed pods, or other plant parts where opiates are concentrated.
If you grow poppies in your yard or walk your dog in fields where they grow, ensure your pet avoids snacking on them!
Another contributing factor to the confusion is that dogs metabolize their food differently than humans do, which can lead to the alkaloids in the seeds or plants entering their bloodstream at much higher levels.
The diverse poppy varieties also contribute to uncertainty. One variety may be harmless, while another could prove fatal to your dog.
What If My Dog Consumes Poppy Seeds?
The outcome depends on various factors, such as your dog’s weight, size, and age. Imagine a Labrador-sized pup who snatched a bagel left unattended while you were on the phone.
Understandably, you’re concerned since the bagel had a spread of poppy seeds. What’s the likely impact?
In most cases, probably nothing serious. A few seeds typically won’t cause lasting harm. Keep an eye on your mischievous pet for any signs of distress; they are more likely to react to other ingredients (like peanut butter or salmon) rather than the seeds!
The most probable result is a mild stomach upset. Just ensure they can get outside to relieve themselves and have access to fresh water.
However, consuming large quantities of these seeds can become a serious issue. Opioid poisoning is severe. Watch out for:
• Weakness. Your dog may appear lethargic and reluctant to move.
• Slow heart rate. Their pulse may noticeably decrease.
• Constricted pupils. Pay attention; they may seem dazed, their eyes will look strange.
• Lethargy. Any movement will be slow and very little.
• Loss of appetite. Their food bowl might remain untouched or they may just nibble.
• Trembling. Your dog might shake as if they’re cold or stressed.
• Breathing troubles. This can be distressing for both of you; they may wheeze or struggle for breath.
• Staggering or ataxia. Loss of balance may make it difficult for them to walk straight.
In addition to these symptoms, your dog may seem sad or hyperactive. In severe cases, they might enter a coma, risking death.
The main concern is that the substances within the seeds can adversely affect the central nervous system of the dog, leading to various health issues outlined above.
If your dog presents any combination of these symptoms, seek veterinary care without delay.
You can also reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.
How Will a Veterinarian Address This?
The vet will first assess the severity of your dog’s condition. They may provide an emetic to induce vomiting and remove any remaining seeds from the stomach.
If vomiting isn’t sufficient, they may administer activated charcoal to bind the seeds and prevent further absorption of opiates into the bloodstream.
If your dog has difficulty breathing, they might require intubation or be placed in an oxygen chamber to stabilize their oxygen levels.
The veterinarian will closely monitor heart rate and vital signs, giving further medication as needed. They might also flush out toxins with IV fluids.
To reassure you: severe poisoning is generally a result of consuming an opium poppy plant or ingesting a large amount of poppy seeds.
Be vigilant when walking your dog, watch for any plants they might eat, and keep all cooking ingredients securely stored.
This scenario is one all dog owners wish to avoid.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the internet serves as a valuable source of support and knowledge, but conflicting information can be frustrating and perplexing. This article seeks to clarify the situation, address your concerns, and set your mind at ease.
We sought answers to the question: can dogs eat poppy seeds? What’s the conclusion?
The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline agree: there are no safe levels when it comes to letting your dog eat poppy seeds.
While poppy seeds are beneficial for humans, the wide array of poppy types makes it impossible to determine a safe consumption limit for dogs, introducing too much risk for toxicity.
Even in humans, recent reports have drawn attention to the possibility of failing drug tests because of the opioids contained in poppy seeds. The effects are more pronounced in dogs, especially in smaller breeds.
That said, a small quantity of poppy seeds typically won’t lead to grave issues. If your dog happens to consume a poppy seed muffin, remain calm and monitor them closely for any symptoms.
Photo from: @hiiamcleo
To summarize, poppy seeds are generally not beneficial for dogs. While a slight accidental ingestion is unlikely to harm them, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian.
It’s crucial to reiterate that the main issue lies not just with the seeds but what they may be sprinkled on or baked into. Dogs can be susceptible to a wide array of foods that are safe for humans, so awareness is key.
To promote a healthy diet, stick with your dog’s regular meal plan while allowing the occasional treat. Dogs aren’t equipped to handle many ‘human foods,’ and maintaining this discipline benefits their overall health, despite those pleading eyes.
