Lemons are a popular fruit for humans. They add a refreshing flavor to drinks and dishes. But what about our furry friends? Can dogs enjoy the tangy taste of lemons, or is it harmful to them? More specifically, can dogs eat lemon juice?
Are Lemons Safe for Dogs?
The short answer is no. While the fleshy part of lemons isn’t highly toxic to dogs, it’s still not a good idea to feed them lemons. Lemons can make your dog sick. Most dogs find the sourness of citrus fruits off-putting.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says that dogs can eat lemons, but they usually don’t because they dislike the strong citrus smell.
Why Are Lemons Bad for Dogs?
Citric Acid
Lemon juice has a high amount of citric acid, which is toxic to dogs. Even a few pieces of citrus fruits can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. Larger amounts can lead to more serious health issues like central nervous depression. Symptoms of central nervous depression include drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness.
Psoralen
It’s important to keep your dog away from lemon rinds and skin. The rinds of lemons contain psoralen, which is also toxic to dogs. If swallowed, lemon rinds could cause gastric obstruction. If your dog eats a whole lemon or a rind, contact your veterinarian right away.
Essential Oils
The scent of lemon can be harmful to dogs. The aromatic oils are considered toxic. Direct contact with essential oils can cause topical irritation. Direct consumption of essential oils can be toxic and dangerous to dogs and cats.
Lemon essential oil contains d-limonene and linalool. If ingested, these natural insecticides can harm your dog.
d-limonene
Limonene is produced by all citrus fruits, including lemons. It gives citrus fruits their unique odor and is toxic to dogs who ingest it. D-limonene contains insecticidal properties that, if ingested by a dog, can cause serious harm when it metabolizes in the liver. The consequences of d-limonene ingestion can include toxicity, poisoning, liver damage, and even liver failure.
Sugar
Although lemons themselves don’t contain much sugar, humans enjoy sugary, lemon-based drinks and foods like lemonade or lemon tarts. It’s not recommended to give these products to your dog. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and obesity-related health conditions in dogs.
Digestive Issues
Lemon juice is much more concentrated in citric acid compared to the flesh of the lemon. Consuming too much citric acid isn’t safe for dogs, as it can lead to digestive problems and dental erosion. If your dog eats lemon, they may have an upset stomach. The high acidity may irritate your dog’s digestive system and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Other Toxic Components
Citrus fruits contain essential oils and a chemical compound toxic to dogs. They’re found in the plants, tree parts, skin, and pithy white parts of the lemon.
What Happens If a Dog Licks or Eats a Lemon?
If a dog licks or tries to eat a lemon, they may have a strong reaction to the taste. It has a flavor most dogs usually try to avoid.
Consuming lemon oil could cause serious damage to your pet’s liver or lead to gastroenteritis, whose symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Lemon
If your dog has eaten a whole lemon or a rind, contact your veterinarian right away.
Why Do Dogs Have a Strong Reaction to Lemons?
Dogs don’t like bitter tastes and will generally have a negative reaction. Sour tastes can also be detected, but it’s not always negative. Dogs have learned to avoid bitter tastes due to the association of poisonous foods, leading to better survival rates.
Fruits Dogs Can Eat Instead
Instead of lemons, your dog can eat limited quantities of canine-safe fruits that are packed with vitamins. Remove seeds and the core before feeding your dog small pieces of apple, which is an excellent source of vitamins C and A.
You can also try cut-up blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants, or strawberries, which are full of fiber. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog canned fruit, which may be packed with sugary juices or syrups, or dried fruits, which are high in carbohydrates and can be processed with sugar.