No, dogs cannot safely consume poppy seeds, poppy buds, or any species of the poppy plant because they are highly susceptible to poppy seed poisoning. If your pooch licks trace amounts of edible poppy seeds off the floor (like a few that fell off your poppy seed bread or lemon-poppy seed muffin), they may only experience an upset stomach, but keep an eye out for other side effects of poppy poisoning, like trembling and pinpoint pupils. 

Consuming a large amount of poppy seeds can severely damage your dog’s central nervous system. Call your vet or the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you suspect your canine has ingested a large quantity of the seeds.

Poppy poisoning is an attack on the central nervous system caused by high levels of opiates called alkaloids. Examples of alkaloids include codeine and morphine, both found in poppy plants. The human digestive system can safely process the seeds of an opium poppy plant (*Papaver somniferum*), but a dog’s digestive system cannot. Poppy toxicity is a serious health issue, so pet owners should keep the seeds away from their pooch.

If you suspect that your dog ate poppy seeds and is experiencing poppy poisoning, look for the following symptoms: 

- Trembling
- Lack of appetite
- Respiratory depression (breathing difficulties)
- Slowed heart rate
- Pinpoint pupils
- Ataxia (poor muscle control)
- Sedation

 To avoid serious health issues, contact your veterinarian right away.

Certain human foods and beverages can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these items to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan. 
Dog owners who enjoy a lemon-poppy muffin may want to share a piece with their furry friend. However, they should refrain from doing so because poppy seeds are not dog-safe food. Learn how poppy seeds can affect your dog.

Dog owners who enjoy a lemon-poppy muffin may want to share a piece with their furry friend. However, they should refrain from doing so because poppy seeds are not dog-safe food. Learn how poppy seeds can affect your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds?

No, dogs cannot safely consume poppy seeds, poppy buds, or any species of the poppy plant because they are highly susceptible to poppy seed poisoning. If your pooch licks trace amounts of edible poppy seeds off the floor (like a few that fell off your poppy seed bread or lemon-poppy seed muffin), they may only experience an upset stomach, but keep an eye out for other side effects of poppy poisoning, like trembling and pinpoint pupils. Consuming a large amount of poppy seeds can severely damage your dog’s central nervous system. Call your vet or the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you suspect your canine has ingested a large quantity of the seeds.

Poppy poisoning is an attack on the central nervous system caused by high levels of opiates called alkaloids. Examples of alkaloids include codeine and morphine, both found in poppy plants. The human digestive system can safely process the seeds of an opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum), but a dog’s digestive system cannot. Poppy toxicity is a serious health issue, so pet owners should keep the seeds away from their pooch.

What Is Poppy Poisoning? 

If you suspect that your dog ate poppy seeds and is experiencing poppy poisoning, look for the following symptoms: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Trembling </li><li class="">Lack of appetite </li><li class="">Respiratory depression (breathing difficulties) </li><li class="">Slowed heart rate </li><li class="">Pinpoint pupils </li><li class="">Ataxia (poor muscle control) </li><li class="">Sedation </li></ul> To avoid serious health issues, contact your veterinarian right away.

Symptoms of Poppy Poisoning in Dogs

Certain human foods and beverages can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these items to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Before Sharing Human Food With Your Pooch

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.

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Dog owners who enjoy a lemon-poppy muffin may want to share a piece with their furry friend. However, they should refrain from doing so because poppy seeds are not dog-safe food. Learn how poppy seeds can affect your dog.

Dog owners who enjoy a lemon-poppy muffin may want to share a piece with their furry friend. However, they should refrain from doing so because poppy seeds are not dog-safe food. Learn how poppy seeds can affect your dog.
