Can My Dog Eat Lemon? | Harmful Foods That Will Kill Your Adorable Dog!

Because your dog trusts you, It will taste or even eat a lemon if you give it to It. But lemons and their flavor are things your dog would normally avoid. A dog that licks or eats a lemon can have a strong reaction to the taste. Although it may sound funny, giving your dog lemon is no joke

Keep reading to find out if lemons are good or bad for your dog!

CAN DOGS EAT LEMON?

Dogs eat a lot of things that they shouldn’t. A dog can eat the flesh of a lemon, but its immune and digestive system cannot tolerate large amounts of it. The fruit can cause digestive problems. Plus, there is no good reason for dogs to eat lemons, even for vitamin C.

Whether it’s fresh lemons, lemon zest, lime or lime juice, lemon water, or any kind of lemon, dogs should not be given it!

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IS THE CITRIC ACID IN LEMONS BAD FOR A DOG?

Lemons contain a lot of citric acid, and it is this acid that can be a problem for your dog. Your dog’s reaction to lemon will depend on how much eats, Its size, and the sensitivity of Its digestive system.

ARE LEMONS POISONOUS TO A DOG?

No, lemon is not toxic to your pooch, but the acidic fruits can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, and diarrhea if large amounts are ingested. Large amounts of lemons can cause other problems as well. Depending on the dog and how much is digested, a large piece of skin can cause obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, which is an emergency.

The more a dog eats, the more severe the symptoms can become. If your dog eats a large amount of lemons, you may start to see things like sensitivity to light, drooling, tremors and/or dizziness, or the inability to walk. If a large enough amount is ingested and no immediate veterinary intervention is sought, the symptoms can even lead to death.

can dogs eat lemon

CAN LEMONS HAVE ANY BENEFITS FOR DOGS?

Unlike dog-friendly fruits like apples, blueberries, and cantaloupe (melon), the health benefits of lemon offer little to no benefit. It is possible that there are some beneficial phytonutrients (which are not well understood) present in lemons, as well as vitamins. But, like with us, there’s no real good way to give them without sugar and a lot of dilution, even with or without pulp, so any potential benefit is probably not worth it.

WHY DOES A DOG REACT STRONGLY TO A LEMON?

Lemons can taste bitter and dogs don’t like it at all. For our little doggies, the bitter taste is usually always negative. Often times, foods that are poisonous or rancid taste bitter to dogs. Dogs have therefore learned to avoid these tastes.

All citrus fruits contain organic chemicals called psoralens. These compounds are found throughout lemon but are most concentrated in the skin, seeds, and pith. Psoralens can cause a range of symptoms in dogs depending on the dog’s exposure. Psoralens aren’t just found in citrus fruits, however.

They can be in other plants like celery, parsley, West Indian satinwood, and common fig. Accidental licking will not harm your dog’s health, but if a single whole lemon were to be ingested, you could start to see clinical symptoms.

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CAN YOU GIVE LEMONADE OR LEMON JUICE TO A DOG?

The answer is simple: no. Lemon juice, whether it’s lemon juice or lime juice, is as sour as lemons, and lemonade is just lemon juice with more sugar. Your dog does not need either in Its body, whether in Its water bowl or in spoons. The acidity in lemons can give your dog heartburn with reflux as well as bowel pain! The sugar will contribute to your dog’s potential weight gain and this can lead to other health problems. Additionally, too much citric acid and sugar can cause vomiting as well as diarrhea in a dog.

It is, therefore, best not to give a dog lemon juice. Treat your dog to other fruits and help It hydrate properly with water.

can dogs eat lemon

ARE THERE OTHER CITRUS FRUITS THAT ARE BAD FOR A DOG?

There are a few other citrus fruits that are also not a good idea for your dog. Most of them are sour. Lime, like lemon, is a citrus fruit very high in citric acid, so your dog should not eat it. Grapefruit is another fruit to keep out of your dog’s reach.

WHAT CITRUS FRUITS CAN YOU FEED A DOG?

There are many healthy fruits that your dog can eat. They don’t even have to be citrus. Apples (without the seeds), bananas, and strawberries are good choices, if not excellent. These fruits are less acidic and may also have some benefits for dogs. But it is important to give fruit as a treat and in moderation. The majority of your dog’s diet should come from a complete, balanced diet. While respecting its daily intake as well as its nutritional needs!

So avoiding any citrus fruits will be better for the health of your dog.

can dogs eat lemon

HOW MUCH FRUIT CAN A DOG EAT?

The amount of fruit a dog can eat depends on your dog’s size and nutritional needs. The 10% treat rule is a good guide. Whether it’s a fruit or some other treat, we recommend that the treats you feed your dog are no more than 10% of their total calorie intake for the day. This means that a few fruits are more than enough.

 

WHAT TO DO IF MY DOG EATS TOO MUCH LEMON

If you think your dog has consumed large amounts of lemon, observe your dog closely. Watch for vomiting, nausea (most dogs with nausea frequently lick their lips and have exaggerated swallowing movements), signs of discomfort, or other unusual behavior. If you notice any of these signs, immediately take your dog to your veterinarian for observation.

What about lemon essential oil?

Various online sources can claim that lemon essential oil can be of holistic benefit, but you should always consult with a veterinarian with experience in integrative medicine and essential oils first. Many essential oils that are safe and useful for human homeopathic use are not safe or useful for homeopathic use in pets.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.