Can Dogs Eat Lemons?

There are many online videos showcasing dogs� humorous, albeit slightly twisted, reactions to tasting foods with strong flavors. Years ago, a viral trend involved recording dogs eating lemons. This trend became so popular that a four-and-a-half-minute compilation video of such dog reactions has five and a half million views. With numerous people exposing their dogs to this super sour citrus fruit and others amused by these videos, one might wonder if they ever stop to ask two simple questions: Can dogs eat lemons, and should you feed lemons to your dog?

Citrus and Dogs

All citrus fruits contain organic compounds called psoralens, which are present throughout the lemon but are most concentrated in the skin, seeds, and pith. Psoralens can cause various symptoms in dogs depending on their exposure. Psoralens are also found in other plants, such as celery, parsley, West Indian satinwood, and the common fig. While an accidental lick is generally not harmful to your dog, ingesting even one whole lemon can lead to clinical symptoms.

If your dog eats a lemon, you might notice signs of vomiting and diarrhea. The more a dog eats, the more severe the symptoms may become. Consuming a large quantity of lemons could result in sensitivity to light, drooling, tremors, dizziness, or even difficulty walking. Without immediate veterinary care, ingesting a significant amount can be fatal. This risk should be taken seriously and not used as a gag for social media.

What about a quick lick for a funny video? Although a lick might not be medically harmful, it does have consequences. No one enjoys being the butt of a joke or feeling betrayed by someone they trust, and dogs are no different. Breaking your dog's trust in this way strains the bond between you and your pooch. While some dogs are more confident and may not be affected by a single incident, others that are more timid around new people and situations may not cope as well.

Lemonade is a popular, refreshing summertime drink. But what about lemonade, where lemon acidity is reduced by sugar and water? Even though the water dilutes the concentration of psoralens, you still shouldn't let your pup drink it. If you want to treat your dog in the summer, ice cubes are an easy, inexpensive way to keep them cool.

What About Lemon Essential Oil?

Various sources may claim that lemon essential oil has holistic benefits, but you should always consult with a veterinarian knowledgeable in integrative medicine and essential oils first. Many essential oils safe and useful for humans are not safe nor useful for pet homeopathic use.

Cats especially are extremely sensitive to essential oils, and some oils, even when diffused in the home, can harm them. The essential oil industry is not well regulated, meaning you might not get what you pay for, as purity and strength can vary. A veterinarian can recommend a reputable, pet-friendly essential oil company if you wish to use essential oils in your home. Even if essential oils are for personal use, you should always choose a pet-friendly option for your diffuser, as your pets will also breathe it in. Some sources suggest applying essential oils topically or feeding them to your dog, but this should never be done, as it can cause immediate and severe symptoms.

While lemons are great for pies, cookie bars, and summer drinks, keep them out of your dog's food bowl. The brief amusement from watching a dog's reaction isn't worth it, and your dog will thank you for not tricking them into trying one.