Are you wondering if dogs can have lemon juice? Are there any benefits and, if so, do they outweigh the downsides?
Straight to the point:
In pure form, it is simply too strong.
The acidity of lemon juice is off the charts! It’s essential that you dilute it.
Here is another key reason to be conservative:
Concentrated psoralens, which are common to citrus fruits, may not sit well with your dog’s stomach.
When it comes to lemon juice, do not get carried away!
Your Dog Can Have Small Amounts of Watered Down Lemon Juice
We hear from owners who like to mix modest amounts in with their buddy’s fresh water.
We also use lemon juice on our dogs, but only when it is most advantageous to do so — not for the nutrients.
An Abundance of Ascorbic Acid
Our view is this:
It doesn’t make much sense to give your dog lemon, or the juice, for the high levels of vitamin C.
The thing is canines produce their own!
And because of the acidity, why not limit lemon juice for when there is a valid reason to provide it?
Best For Fleas And Bad Breath
Lemon juice can help your dog with bad breath, and it is also useful for repelling fleas.
You could think of it as a natural remedy that is similar to apple cider vinegar.
For a flea infestation, simply squeeze a lemon and mix it with water. Then, spray it onto your dog’s coat.
This is a good practice in the spring and summertime during the height of flea season. It is certainly safer than using potentially harmful de-wormers or flea-collars.
Just be sure to avoid getting lemon juice in your dog’s eyes!
FYI: Lemon oil, which is extracted from the peel, is beneficial for the same purpose.
Lemon is a Tear Stain Solution
Proactive dog owners also use lemon juice for wiping away tear stains.
Indeed, it works!
But, again, be very careful not to sting the eyes — no doubt it can be tricky due to the vicinity of tear stains.
The Symptoms To Watch For
You can expect some vomiting and diarrhea if your dog’s system rejects lemon juice.
Another side effect is increased light sensitivity — this is known as a photosensitive reaction. Yet another reason to limit the amount of lemons that you give your dog!
Are Lemon Trees Dangerous?
Be cautious about letting your dog play around lemon trees.
The reason may surprise you…
While too much of the essential oils can be toxic, our real concern is the thorny branches.
Your dog may prick themselves while playing. It is, therefore, prudent to prone any lower limps to avoid this type of innocent mishap.
The Bottom Line
Lemon juice has a few unique benefits for dogs.
It is questionable for the nutrients alone, but this acidic juice is a solid solution for fleas, bad breath and even for tear stains.
Whatever you intend to do…
Use lemon juice sparingly and also limit the concentration for your precious pet dog. Dilution is a must.
Most veterinarians and experts in canine medicine say that citric acid is highly toxic to dogs. Poison your dog over a little bad breath? Find the cause of the bad breath and lay OFF any citrus juice.
Lemons are very toxic and your dog should never be fed a lemon!
Be careful. Lemon juice and the seed of lemons can make a smaller dog (17 pounds and under) very ill. I wouldn’t advise it. A tablespoon of Pepto Bismol or rice water helps to combat illness related to diarrhea and vomiting.