Can dogs eat black pepper or seasonings?

Raw, cooked and other forms of black pepper or seasonings

• Skip itBlack pepper AKC's advice is to serve dogs food with no seasonings.
• Skip itPaprika Skip it along with other seasonings.
• Skip itSeasoning salt and salty blends Too much salt can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures, and blends often include onion or garlic.
• ToxicOnion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt Highly concentrated; even a small sprinkle of garlic powder can cause trouble for a small dog.
• ToxicRubs, poultry and taco seasoning, soup mixes Often contain onion or garlic powder.
• ToxicNutmeg Toxic to dogs in larger amounts.

Why dogs should skip black pepper or seasonings

Onion and garlic powder (sulfur-containing compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause anemia; garlic is about five times stronger than onion), salt (too much raises blood sodium), and nutmeg. Black pepper and paprika are not addressed by the sources we read.

Signs to watch for after she eats black pepper or seasonings

From onion or garlic: vomiting or diarrhea within hours, then 2-5 days later pale gums, weakness, fast breathing and dark urine. From too much salt: vomiting, diarrhea, strong thirst, wobbling, tremors and seizures. From spicy or irritating seasonings: upset stomach, belly pain and drooling.

What to do if your dog ate too much black pepper or seasonings

If she ate a seasoning blend, seasoned salt, rub or anything with onion or garlic powder, or got into nutmeg, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Don't wait for signs, since anemia can show up days later. Do not make her vomit at home.