Dogs will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, but that doesn’t mean that anything is good for them. A common breakfast snack known as the poppy seed muffin seems like an innocent enough treat for your dog. But is it safe for it to eat?
Read on for the answer to this question!
Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seed Muffins?
In general, it’s not a good idea to feed your dog poppy seed muffins. They may make your dog feel sick, and if your pup has too many of them, they may create a toxic build-up in its system.
Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy, which is the same plant that produces heroin and morphine. So, while they may be safe for humans to eat, they can be very dangerous for dogs.
On top of poppy seeds being toxic for a dog, it’s hard to tell the concentration or strength of the seeds in a given muffin. This makes it difficult to know how much is safe for your dog to consume.
So, while you may be tempted to share your poppy seed muffin with your furry friend, it’s best to resist the urge and keep them away from this type of food altogether. Your dog will thank you in the long run!
What Happens if My Dog Eats Poppy Seed Muffins?
When your dog eats poppy seed muffins in a large enough concentration, they can experience indigestion at best and poppy poisoning at worst. Here are the most common symptoms of both:
A Lack of an Appetite
If your dog doesn’t seem interested in food or water, this could be a sign that it’s not feeling well. This is especially true if your dog is usually very enthusiastic about meals.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
These are two of the most common symptoms of indigestion in dogs. If your pup starts vomiting or has a watery stool, they likely ate something that doesn’t agree with them.
Lethargy
A dog who is feeling unwell will often be less active than usual. If your pup is sleeping more than usual or doesn’t seem to have the energy to play, this could be a sign that it’s not feeling well after eating the poppy seed muffins.
Muscle Tremors
In severe cases, dogs may experience muscle tremors and seizures. This is caused by the toxic build-up of poppy seeds in their system and can be very dangerous.
Weakness
If your dog is having trouble standing or moving, this could be a sign of weakness. You’ll notice your dog’s back end may be particularly affected and it may have trouble getting up after lying down.
Challenges with Breathing
In very severe cases, dogs may have difficulty breathing. If you notice your dog is panting excessively or having trouble catching its breath, this may be a symptom of an excessive poppy seed intake.
Dilated Pupils
When a dog has consumed too many poppy seeds, its pupils will often dilate. This is due to the fact that poppy seeds contain compounds that are similar to those found in narcotics.
A Slowed Heart Rate
A dog’s heart rate will usually slow down when it has consumed too many poppy seeds. This is another symptom that is caused by the presence of compounds similar to narcotics in poppy seeds.
A Lack of Interest
If your dog doesn’t seem to be interested in its surroundings or what’s going on around it, this could be a sign that it is in another state of consciousness. This is caused by the poppy seeds affecting the part of the brain that controls a dog’s alertness.
Unconsciousness
In the most severe cases, dogs may become unconscious after eating poppy seed muffins. You’ll notice your dog’s lethargy giving away to a complete lack of energy, and it may be difficult to wake your pup up.
What to Do if My Dog Eats Poppy Seed Muffins?
Here are some things you can do if your dog has eaten poppy seed muffins:
Give Your Dog Some Activated Charcoal
If your dog has eaten poppy seed muffins, one of the first things you should do is give it some activated charcoal. This will help to absorb some of the toxins in your dog’s system and may help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets a Bit Of Exercise
It’s important to make sure your dog gets some exercise after eating poppy seed muffins, such as a walk. This will help to expel some of the toxins from its system and may also help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water
It’s also important to make sure your dog stays hydrated after eating poppy seed muffins. This will help to flush the toxins out of its system and may also help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Monitor Your Dog Closely
If you think your dog has eaten poppy seed muffins, it’s important to monitor it closely for any signs or symptoms of indigestion or poppy poisoning. Look for things like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle tremors, seizures, weakness, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, slowed heart rate, lack of interest in surroundings, or unconsciousness.
Get the Muffins Out of Reach
If you have poppy seed muffins in your home, it’s important to make sure they are out of reach of your dog. This will help to prevent any further ingestion and may also help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Call Your Vet
If you think your dog has eaten poppy seed muffins and is showing any signs or symptoms of indigestion or poppy poisoning, it’s important to call your vet right away. They will be able to give you further instructions on what to do and may even recommend bringing your dog in for treatment.
Dog-Friendly Muffin Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to poppy seed muffins that your pup can enjoy. You can find them in your local pet store or find a recipe to make them at home:
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
These yummy biscuits are made with real pumpkin and are perfect for Fall. They’re also grain-free, which is great for dogs with allergies.
Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits
These grain-free biscuits are made with sweet potato and are perfect for dogs with allergies.
Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
These yummy treats are made with banana, peanut butter, and oatmeal. They’re perfect for a quick snack or training treat. If you’re making these from scratch, make sure you’re not using peanut butter with xylitol, as this can be toxic to dogs.
Zucchini Carrot Dog Treats
These healthy treats are made with zucchini, carrots, and whole wheat flour. They’re perfect for a healthy snack or training treat.
Carrot Cake Dog Biscuits
These grain-free biscuits are made with carrots, honey, and dog-friendly spices. They’re perfect for a quick snack or training treat.