Mary Allen
Bright red fields invite you to snap photos and romp around. While you and your four-legged friend frolic in the poppy field, do you ask yourself whether dogs are actually allowed to eat poppy seeds?
We ask ourselves the question: What is poppy anyway?
In this article, you will find out what the black grains are all about and whether you can give your dog poppy seeds to eat.
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat poppy seeds?
No, dogs are not allowed to eat poppy seeds! The poppy is not tolerated by dogs and leads to diarrhea, cramps, stomach ache, breathing problems and restlessness. If your dog has accidentally eaten poppy seeds, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
The alkaloids morphine and codeine contained in the poppy are responsible for the symptoms of poisoning. Opium is obtained from the unripe seeds of the poppy plant.
Are poppy seeds healthy for dogs?
Unfortunately not. In fact, poppy seeds are very harmful to dogs!
Why is that?
Because the poppy plant contains some opioid active substances of the alkaloid group. Morphine and codeine, which are only found in minimal amounts in poppies, are very dangerous for dogs.
Dogs have a completely different metabolism than humans, which is why the amount of morphine and codeine is harmless for us humans, but can quickly become dangerous for dogs – especially small dogs.
Good to know:
The alkaloids contained in poppy seeds lead to symptoms of poisoning and can mean death for your dog if left untreated. Therefore, under no circumstances should you feed him poppy seeds.
From what amount is poppy seeds harmful to dogs?
Even a very small amount of poppy seeds is harmful to dogs. The alkaloids it contains are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses and many other animals.
It is therefore absolutely important that your dog does not eat poppy seeds and certainly not poppy seed cake or other poppy seed baked goods!
Processed poppy seeds also contain the poison – unfortunately, heating them doesn’t help either. Poppy seed cakes and poppy seed biscuits also contain ingredients such as sugar, salt, raising agents and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
What is poppy anyway?
The poppy plant is known as a medicinal, aromatic and ornamental plant. Their bright red leaves invite you to wonderful photo shoots during the poppy bloom.
Opium is obtained from the unripe poppy seeds.
Ripe seeds are processed into poppy seed oil and poppy flour or used as a baking ingredient for rolls, pastries and cakes.
Attention danger!
All parts of the poppy plant are poisonous to dogs! So you must not nibble on the leaves, suck on the stalks or eat the seeds. Here it says explicitly: paws off the poisonous poppy!
Photoshoot in the poppy field – is that dangerous?
With the knowledge that poppies can be life-threatening for dogs, we will approach the poppy field with a certain amount of respect next time.
That’s a good thing!
If you want to photograph your darling in the bright red poppy, make sure that he doesn’t nibble on the plants and better remove poppy residue from his fur before he does!
With a little caution, nothing should stand in the way of your photo shoot!
That is interesting:
Many dogs instinctively know what is good for them and what they should keep their paws off of. It is therefore unlikely that your dog will even help itself in the poppy field, but of course you can never be sure with our little omnivores.
Dog accidentally ate poppy seeds, now what?
Please don’t panic right away, because that won’t help your dog at all!
The amount of poppy seeds is not decisive for whether your dog survives the consumption well. Of course it depends on whether you have a large or small, sensitive or tough four-legged friend. The amount at which the first symptoms of poisoning appear varies widely.
Once you catch your poppy thief, be sure to keep him under surveillance for the next 24-48 hours.
If something seems strange to you and you realize that your dog is not doing well, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian!
Symptoms of poppy poisoning
Below you will find a list of possible poisoning symptoms. These can vary depending on the dog and occur to different degrees.
- loss of appetite
- difficulty breathing
- nausea, vomiting
- colic, diarrhea
- discomfort, whining
- restlessness, nervousness
- convulsions and tremors
- Increased or decreased heart rate
In short: can dogs eat poppy seeds?
No, dogs are not allowed to eat poppy seeds!
The entire poppy plant is poisonous to dogs even in the smallest amounts because it contains opioid active ingredients. These morphine and codeine quickly lead to life-threatening poisoning in dogs.
If your dog has accidentally eaten poppy seeds, you should keep calm and keep a close eye on your dog. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet immediately!
Do you have any questions about the combination of dog and poppy? Then please let us know what interests you under this article.