Can Dogs Eat Lemons?

Can I Give My Dog Lemons?

When we think of strongly flavored foods, most of the things that come to mind are hot or spicy. We think of things like cinnamon, chili or jalapeno peppers, horseradish, ginger, and wasabi. There is, however, one fruit with a flavor that is just as powerful and even more distinctive: lemons. Though few of us can eat a lemon slice without making funny faces and chugging a tall glass of water, we often use this citrus fruit to flavor our favorite foods and beverages. Because many of us have heard of the supposed health benefits of lemons, we try to find ways to include it into our diets.

Many holistic veterinarians encourage the use of common human medicinal foods as doggy dietary supplements, so, how about lemons? Can your pooch benefit from a lemon slice in their water bowl? Can dogs have lemons?

Technically, no, your dog should not consume lemons—this fruit offers few health benefits and comes with several health risks. While it is true that many dogs consume small amounts of lemon without suffering any consequences (after all, the Internet loves to record their Chihuahuas recoiling after a lick of a lemon slice), this fruit contains substances that can be harmful to dogs. If your teenager has already fed Fido a lemon slice, you don’t necessarily need to rush them to the animal hospital, but you should make sure that it doesn’t happen in the future. If you want to give your dog fruit, opt for apples instead.

Health Benefits?

Aren’t lemons superfoods? For dogs, the answer is no. It is true that lemons and other citrus fruits are loaded with phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, but there really is not a safe or effective way for your dog to consume them. The Vitamin C and antioxidants found in lemons have the potential to improve immunity and prevent disease, but there is no safe way to give your dog enough lemon flesh for them to benefit from these nutrients.

It’s sort of like arguing that the protein and healthy fats found in peanuts are ‘good’ even though the person you’re trying to feed has a peanut allergy. Sure, peanuts may contain nutrients that can support their health, but the risks far outweigh these benefits!

You may be able to boost your dog’s antioxidant intake by sneaking them lemon slices, but the harmful substances will negate any potential benefits. Besides, there are far safer fruits you can give your dog. Safe sources of fiber and antioxidants include apples, berries, bananas, watermelon, carrots, broccoli, and even pineapple.

Lemons contain chemicals called psoralens, which can cause health problems if your dog consumes a substantial amount of them. Symptoms will vary depending on how sensitive your dog is and how much they have eaten—most dogs who eat a lemon slice will suffer from indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea that will rectify themselves within 24 hours. If your dog ends up absorbing a larger amount of psoralens, however, their symptoms may be more severe.

The psoralens found in lemons, limonene and linalool, may be safe for humans, but they can cause serious problems for our pooches. Dogs suffering from lemon toxicity may develop symptoms such as excessive drooling, fatigue, depression, poor coordination/stumbling, low blood pressure, cold limbs, muscle tremors, rashes, sensitivity to light, collapse, muscle weakness, and even liver failure.

Things to Consider

The toxins found in lemons do not have an antidote, so it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as you suspect that something is wrong. Your veterinarian will likely induce vomiting or perform gastric irrigation to prevent further absorption. They may also administer activated charcoal. Beyond that, treatment for lemon poisoning is supportive in nature—your dog may receive intravenous fluids and other substances meant to treat any imbalances caused by the vomiting or diarrhea.

Online proponents of holistic healing often recommend using lemon essential oil or lemon juice to treat various skin problems. Though there are plenty of anecdotes supporting this idea, the risks are too great. It is not a good idea to give your dog lemon oil or lemon juice, either orally or topically. Lemon essential oil is extremely concentrated, which means that it comes with a high risk of toxicity. If your dog has skin problems, consult a veterinarian. Do not attempt to treat chronic health problems without getting a diagnosis from a professional!

Final Thoughts

Overall, it probably isn’t a good idea to give your dog lemons. A small quantity of this sour fruit probably will not cause any life-threatening health problems, but it will almost certainly result in upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. Larger quantities of lemons can put your dog’s long-term health at risk—they are loaded with toxic chemicals called psoralens, which can cause liver failure. If you want to give your dog some Vitamin C, stick with dog-safe fruits like apples and bananas.