 Let’s face it. Lemons probably aren’t high on your list of potential treats for your pooch. That’s a good thing, too. The question of whether they can eat this citrus fruit is no. It may even be toxic to your pet if he eats enough of it. However, dogs will be dogs, and some will eat just about anything they can find. Show
You’d think that the strong scent and acidity of lemons would be enough to deter him. Many animals avoid them naturally, including cats. It’s even an ingredient in repellants and stain eliminators to keep them from doing it again. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end with an unpleasant taste for your dog. What Makes Lemons Bad for Dogs?The first thing you must understand is that many human foods are poisonous to dogs and other pets. After all, we’re all different. Just because you can eat it doesn’t mean your pup can. Potentially toxic foodstuffs include:
There are two chemicals in lemons and other citrus fruits that are problematic for canines and other animals. The seeds, pith, and peel contain psoralen, an organic compound found in many plants. It can interfere with DNA synthesis and cause mutations. That probably sounds scary enough. However, it also increases one’s sensitivity to light and, thus, the absorption of UV radiation. The healthcare industry uses that property for that purpose when treating skin conditions that respond well to light therapy like psoriasis in people. As you may guess, it can also increase your risk for some skin cancers. The other organic compound in lemons that can adversely affect your pooch is limonene, found in the peel primarily. It is a major component of the essential oil and gives lemons their refreshing scent. Bear in mind that these ingredients are highly concentrated. A little goes a long way. All of this information adds up to a toxic food not only for dogs but cats and horses, too. Is Lemonade Bad, Too?Unfortunately, lemons are still harmful, even if it’s diluted. Remember that a thirsty dog can put away a lot of water too. He’ll likely drink enough to trigger a reaction if he likes the taste. Because it’s in liquid form, your pet’s body will absorb it quicker and probably more of it as well. The other issue involves what’s sweetening your beverage. Sugar in large quantities can cause a spike in your pet’s blood sugar levels. That can be potentially deadly for diabetic dogs. Likewise, artificial sweeteners like xylitol are equally as toxic with the same serious outcomes.
Symptoms and TreatmentIf your dog tastes a little just to know he doesn’t like it, he’ll probably be fine. As Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, once said, “Only the dose makes the poison.” A lot of lemons, therefore, are harmful. Symptoms you may see in your pup include:
Depending on the pet and their physiology, it can lead to tremors and even death. If you suspect your dog has eaten lemons, get him to the veterinarian immediately. Treating Your DogYour vet is going to do the same thing that your dog is trying to do when he gets sick—get the toxin out of his system as quickly as possible. That means gastric lavage or pumping out his stomach. It’s just as unpleasant for your pooch as it is for people. He’ll likely follow up with administering activated charcoal. That will help prevent further absorption—and symptoms—in your dog. After all of that, your poor pooch will need time to recover. It may mean feeding him foods like white rice or a prescription diet for a few days so that his GI tract can heal. We’d suggest keeping him quiet, too. Your dog will let you know when he’s feeling better. Final ThoughtsIf you have a food-motivated dog, it’s imperative to learn what foods are toxic to your pet. Please don’t assume that he can eat anything that you can, including lemons. Citrus fruits contain organic compounds that are poisonous to your pup. We suggest playing it safe. Only give your canine friend foods and treats formulated for dogs. He’ll be a lot happier and healthier in the long run.
Because your dog trusts you, he may taste or even eat a lemon if you give it to him. But lemons and their flavor is one your dog would normally avoid. A dog who licks or eats a lemon may have a strong reaction to the taste. While it may seem comical, feeding your dog a lemon isn’t a joke. Continue reading to learn why. Should dogs eat lemons?Dogs eat plenty of things they shouldn’t. Dogs can eat the flesh of lemons, but their system cannot tolerate large quantities. The fruit can cause digestive problems. Also, there aren’t any good reasons that dogs should eat lemons. Is the citric acid in lemons bad for dogs?Lemons have a lot of citric acid, and the acid is what can be a problem for your dog. The reaction your dog has to lemons depends on how much he ate, his size and if his digestive system is sensitive. Why do dogs have a strong reaction to lemons?“Dogs can taste bitter and they don’t like it. While dogs can also taste sour, it’s not always a negative. For them, bitter is generally always a negative,” Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey explains. Often foods that are poisonous or rancid taste bitter to dogs. So, they learned to avoid these tastes. It was a good way to survive. Today, dogs don’t eat lemons for good reason. “All citrus fruits contain essential oils and a chemical compound that are toxic to dogs. These are found in the plants, tree parts, the skin, and the pithy white parts,” Dempsey explains. Can dogs drink lemon juice or lemonade?The simple answer is no. Lemon juice is just as acidic as lemons, and lemonade is just lemon juice plus sugar. Your dog doesn’t need either in his system. “Sugar is going to contribute to potential weight gain in your dog and that can lead to other health issues,” says Dempsey. Also, excessive citric acid and sugar both can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to just skip all things lemon. Treat your dog with other fruits and help keep him hydrated with water. Are there other citrus fruits that are bad for dogs?There are a few other citrus fruits that are also not a good idea for your dog. Mostly they are tart or sour. Limes, just like lemons, are very high in citric acid so your dog should not eat them. Another fruit to keep out of reach is grapefruit. What citrus fruits can dogs eat?There are lots of healthy fruits your dog can eat. They don’t even need to be citrus fruit. Some good choices include apples (without the seeds), bananas and strawberries. These fruits are less acidic and may have some benefits for dogs, too. But it’s important to feed fruit as a treat and in moderation. The majority of your dog’s diet should come from a complete and balanced food. How much fruit should dogs eat?How much fruit a dog can eat depends on the size of your dog and his nutritional needs. The 10% treat rule is a good guide. “Whether it’s fruit or another treat, we recommend that treats you feed your dog should make up no more than 10% of his total calories for the day,” advises Dempsey. That means a few pieces of fruit is enough. When dreaming of tasty dog treats, lemons aren’t exactly top of your pup’s wish list. Citrus, in general, isn’t on the top of the list for most pups. But our curious companions will often try anything that you offer them, even lemons. While lemon may interest you due to the reported health benefits for humans, that doesn’t mean it’s something that you should feed your pup. There are several other types of fruit your dog may enjoy, including watermelon, and strawberries. So what happens if your dog ate lemons while you weren’t looking? Apart from tasting bitter, lemons can harm dogs if eaten. So, it’s our job as pet parents to protect them as best we can. Read on to find out how lemons are harmful to dogs and what to look out for if your pup eats a lemon. The short answer is no, lemons are not safe to give to your dog. They might be a good source of vitamin C and fiber for us, but any part of the lemon can cause a dog health problems. We’re specifically talking about the peel (rind), the pith (white fibrous part of the lemon beneath the peel), the flesh (center of the fruit and the most edible part), and even the plant (leaves or tree bark). The flesh of a lemon isn’t toxic to your pooch as long as it’s only a small amount that they’ve eaten. But most dogs will find it unpleasant. Even so, lemons aren’t safe if your dog eats lots of them—we’ll find out why next. The worst thing about lemons from a dog’s perspective is that they taste bad. However, this isn’t the only reason you should avoid giving lemons to your precious pup. Lemons contain citric acid, essential oils (such as limonene), and psoralen, all known to make dogs ill. It’s worth remembering, too, that other citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are equally dangerous. Most dogs that eat a small amount of lemon may not have any symptoms at all. They often become unwell after eating many lemons. Dogs can all react differently, and it’s still possible for your dog to get sick on a small piece of lemon. If you know what to look out for, you can get your pup seen by a veterinarian as soon as they look poorly. So, what do lemons do to dogs? Let’s find out. Dogs that react badly to eating lemons might have:
Vomiting or DiarrheaThe citric acid and citrus oils found in lemons can upset your dog’s tummy, You’ll find these in the flesh and peel. Your pup’s symptoms can be mild, but it depends on how much lemon they ate (the more they eat, the sicker they are likely to be). Dogs with sensitive guts can be affected more severely. Vomiting and diarrhea can get better on their own if not too severe. Feed small bland meals (e.g., scrambled or boiled egg, plain rice, chicken breast) and make sure your pup is drinking water. It’s best not to wait longer than 24 hours before asking your vet for help if an upset stomach is still present. Without treatment, they can become severely dehydrated and unwell. But if your pooch isn’t eating or drinking from the start, or they’re very quiet, speak to your veterinarian sooner. Gut Blockage or ChokingSome pet parents might be tempted to give a dog a whole lemon to roll around or play with. Don’t do this! You might think it impossible that a dog can swallow an entire lemon, but you’d be surprised what dogs are capable of swallowing! Also, be extra careful about where you keep your lemons at home, as they will look like great playthings to most dogs. A whole lemon, or large amounts of lemon rind, is not only a choking hazard, but if your pup swallows it in one piece, it could get stuck in their gut. Dogs who have a gut blockage are often vomiting, lethargic, off their food, not pooping, and have tummy pain. They can die if not dealt with quickly, so call your veterinarian if you think this has happened. LethargySome of the chemicals in lemons, such as essential oils, can make dogs sleepy if eaten in large amounts, and not in a calm, relaxing way. Oils are found in the lemon peel (or rind) and the leaves in high concentrations. In the worst case, dogs can tremor, dribble, and have problems walking. A lot of lemons would have to be eaten before you might see symptoms of essential oil toxicity. Skin ProblemsPsoralen can cause skin reactions when your dog eats lemons. When exposed to the sun, their skin can become inflamed and can develop painful spots and scabs. Dogs shouldn’t be left outside in the direct sun for too long anyway, even if they haven’t been eating lemons. What About Lemon-Flavored Food?No, you shouldn’t feed food or drinks flavored with lemon to your pooch. Although they are irresistible to us and probably our canine companions, we can do more harm than good by sneaking them a morsel or two from the table. Let’s find out how some of our favorite lemon-flavored treats can hurt our pup. We’re talking about things like:
Sugar and FatsAside from putting our dog at risk of becoming sick from the harmful citric acid, oils, and chemicals, sweet desserts and fruity drinks are full of sugar and/or fats. We know too much sugar and fat aren’t great in any diet! They can make our dogs gain weight, give them diabetes, gingivitis and tooth decay, heart and blood pressure problems, and arthritis. If we want to protect them from getting ill, our dogs need to be fed a healthy diet instead. Sugar-Free DessertsDesserts advertised as sugar-free should never be given to dogs. Suger-free desserts could contain xylitol. Xylitol is toxic and very dangerous if dogs eat it (even a tiny amount can be lethal). If eaten, their blood sugar level will drop dangerously low. They can then have seizures, coma, and death (in the worst case). If you don’t know if something you’re eating has xylitol in it, don’t take the risk. Find your dog a yummy canine-friendly treat instead! SaltSalt is often added to savory dishes, like preserved lemons. Too much can not only make your pooch hover over the water bowl, but they can get heart disease, high blood pressure, or salt poisoning. Salt poisoning can cause trembling, stomach upsets, and seizures. Always give your dog access to plenty of fresh water, and if you notice they’re drinking more or less than usual, speak to your veterinarian. Are There Any Other Dangers?A final word of warning. Some dogs might not be picky when it comes to the taste of lemon and may actually enjoy it. Take care when using household cleaning products around your pooch since many of them are lemon-scented and might be tempting for your dog to try. Your pup doesn’t always know the difference between what they should and shouldn’t put in their mouth, putting them at risk of harm. They can get very sick from licking cleaning products, so if this happens, call your veterinarian right away.
Don’t give lemons to your dog, as you could make them sick Lemons are not only bitter (tasting bad) but have large amounts of citric acid, essential oils, and chemicals that are not good for your pup’s health. Dogs that eat lemons might have a bit of vomiting or diarrhea—or they could choke, have a gut blockage, become lethargic, or develop skin sores. It’s our job as responsible pet parents to protect our precious pups from harm, so keep your lemons out of reach! If you’re worried about your dog—and you think it’s because they have eaten lemon—call your veterinary clinic and tell them what has happened. They can give you the best advice and reassurance. The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety or care advice. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, insurance expert, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only. |
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