Can dogs eat lemons? There is no harm in feeding your dog lemons. Lemons are very nutritious and tasty. They are full of vitamins A, B, C, D & E. Lemons are rich in nutrients and are suitable for dogs of all ages. As a bonus, they’re low in calories, too, and provide dietary fiber so that your dog can maintain a good weight or even lose some of the excess weight!
As an important side note, lemons are also highly concentrated. That means that they can’t be mixed into anything, which means they come out very concentrated. If you want your dog to take a tiny bit with it, be sure to give them an easy way to spit them out. One great and easy way is to put a few sliced lemons on a cardboard piece, stick it in the fridge overnight, and when morning, you take it out to his bowl.
Because of their highly concentrated contents, lemons can sometimes be poisonous to pets. This is because, even though they have a very low pectin content, the lemon juice can easily mix with the stomach contents and enter the bloodstream through the gastric juices. This can cause vomiting, weakness, and in some cases, coma and death. Therefore lemons should never be given to animals as food unless there is an established need and they have been certified as safe for them to consume.
Can Dogs Eat Lemons? Most Asked Question and Facts About This Topic
Fortunately, most veterinarians do not recommend giving lemons to dogs to consume because of the potential toxins of lemons. It is generally agreed that they are safe for cats and dogs to eat, but there are still toxicity issues and the likelihood of them being harmful. As with any acidic substance, lemons can enter the gastrointestinal tract, creating damage to the esophagus. This can lead to serious harm and, in the worst-case scenario, can result in death.
In addition to affecting the dog’s stomach, lemons can also affect the cat’s gastrointestinal system. Cats specifically allergic to citrus fruits can suffer from various symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. While this condition is more prevalent in cats, it can be transferred between animals allergic to citrus fruits. It has also been linked to death in cases wherein the victim was allergic to lemons, and another animal ingested it. It is important to note that the consumption of these citrus fruits does not solely cause this but can also be transferred via inhalation and injection.
Although it can be distressing for your pet to change his eating habits, it is crucial to consider lemons’ dangers. Although they are safe for humans, dogs can be severely affected by toxic levels of lemons. Dogs that are allergic to lemons should not be given citrus fruits or drinks. Your veterinarian can advise you on the safe amount of lemons that you can give your dog. If you suspect that your dog is allergic to lemons, a blood test can confirm this and help you determine the best course of action for him.
