Are there really advantages to giving lemon juice to dogs, and if so, do they outweigh the disadvantages?
In pure form, it’s simply too strong.
Citrus fruits commonly contain concentrated psoralens, which may upset your dog’s stomach.
Health Concerns Of Lemons for Dogs
As mentioned, it’s extremely unlikely that your dog will attempt to eat lemons. Their reactivity to bitter tastes is an evolutionary adaptation that lowers their risk of consuming foods that are poisonous. However, if your dog does manage to get a hold of a lemon and eats a sizable amount of it, you should be aware of the following:
Lemons are high in essential oils and plant compounds known as psoralens. These can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. They are found in the rind of the lemon, not the fruit, so if your dog licks up a bit of lemon juice, there is no cause for concern.
However, due to the high levels of citric acid it contains, excessive amounts of lemon juice can also be harmful. Dogs are particularly sensitive to this, and it may upset their stomachs.
You should consult your veterinarian and keep an eye out for symptoms of poisoning if your dog consumes lemon skin or rind. Because these substances are very challenging for dogs to digest, you might notice your dog acting very poorly right away. Gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea and vomiting, is a sign of mild citrus fruit poisoning.
Your dog may experience the following symptoms in extreme cases: poor circulation, sensitivity to light, lethargy, drooling, skin irritation, low blood pressure, panting, hair standing up on end, difficulty standing or walking, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, collapsing, and, if the condition is left untreated, even death.
Despite the fact that these symptoms are frightening and should be treated right away by an emergency veterinarian, keep in mind that they are uncommon. Citrus is unappealing to dogs for a reason, and they don’t often try to eat it, especially not in large amounts.
Do the following if your dog eats more than a small amount of lemon:
Why is Citric Acid In Lemons Bad For Dogs?
Citric acid is harmful to dogs, especially in large quantities. Extreme stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, may result from it. Lemons are high in citric acid. A single lick of lemon or lemon juice is unlikely to make your dog queasy, but too much can make them feel very ill.
Dogs don’t like the vast majority of citrus fruits, as we mentioned above. That includes lemons, limes, and grapefruits as well as others.
Oranges are the lone exception to the rule as they contain significantly less harmful plant compounds, essential oils, and citric acid. Oranges can be enjoyed by some dogs, but you should only give them a small amount and never the rind or seeds.
A Bit of Lemon Juice in Your Puppy’s Water – a Refreshing Drink
Lemon juice is known to be naturally refreshing.
So adding a little lemon juice to your puppy’s water can aid in her recovery from exhaustion and maintain her youthfulness.
Lemon juice also helps to counter bad breath.
Your dog’s daily diet may also benefit from a small amount of lemon juice to help with digestion.
Thoughts of lemon juice as a safe vitamin C supplement for your puppy should be avoided
That can be a really bad idea.
For one, it’s unlikely that your puppy needs any supplements.
Additionally, we’ve already discussed the risks associated with giving your dog supplements that aren’t at the proper, medically prescribed dosage.
Be very careful how much lemon juice you add to your puppy’s water when getting ready to do so.
It’s probably way too much if you can taste the tartness of the lemon in the water.
Besides, your puppy would most likely hate the taste anyway.
FAQ
Can you put lemon juice on dogs skin?
The stains on your dog’s coat may be removed affordably and naturally by mixing equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. Make a paste out of it, then apply it to the trouble spots on your dog’s coat. Allow it to sit on your dog’s fur for up to ten minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off.
Will lemon juice hurt a dog?
Lemons and lemon-based products can damage a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and erode their tooth enamel. Additionally, psoralen compounds—chemicals that can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting—are found in lemon trees and fruits.