Dogs & Lemons – What You Should Know 

Nothing is better than a glass of ice-cold water with a squeeze of lemon on a hot day! The good thing about lemons is that they are high in fiber and vitamin C. You may wonder if your dog can eat lemons. The answer is no. Continue reading to learn why.

We do not know why you would want to feed your dog a lemon in the first place unless you wanted to see your dog’s reaction. This is considered cruel, however! Lemons contain high amounts of citric acids, which can be highly toxic to dogs. In addition, the lemon rind contains psoralen, which is also harmful to dogs. If a dog swallows a lemon rind, gastric obstruction may occur.

Can my dog enjoy lemon essential oils? Unfortunately, these oils are also considered toxic, which may cause topical irritation. Lemon essential oils contain linalool and d-limonene; if your dog ingests them, they can be harmful. Furthermore, if your dog eats lemon oil, it may experience liver damage, leading to gastroenteritis.

As you can see, dogs and lemons are only ideal if you want your dog to experience adverse health effects. If you are a loving and responsible pet owner, we know you wouldn’t want that! The good news is that there are other fruits that you can feed your dog in moderation. Consider adding apples, blueberries, and strawberries to your dog’s diet. All these fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants to benefit your dog’s health. As always, consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog’s diet.