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Tailwise

Fruit

Can dogs eat lemons?

A little In moderation

Not really. Lemon flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is acidic and most dogs dislike it. The peel, seeds and plant contain psoralens and oils that can cause stomach upsets.

Why Limonene, linalool and psoralens (mostly in peel and plant)

By Maya HartReviewed by Tailwise Editors ·

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
  3. Call your vet if a cat ate lemon or licked citrus oil.

Signs to watch for

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Drooling
  • Skin sensitivity to sunlight
  • Wobbliness (large amounts or oils)

How much, how often

Avoid.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Not really. Lemon flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is acidic and most dogs dislike it. The peel, seeds and plant contain psoralens and oils that can cause stomach upsets.

How much: Avoid.

Cats Toxic

No. The essential oils and psoralens in lemons and other citrus are toxic to cats.

Can cats eat lemons?

The details

Citrus scents are often used as a deterrent to keep cats off furniture, because most cats find them unpleasant. The problem comes with concentrated citrus essential oils and cleaning products, which can be absorbed through the skin.

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat lemons?

Not really. Lemon flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is acidic and most dogs dislike it. The peel, seeds and plant contain psoralens and oils that can cause stomach upsets.

How much lemons can a dog have?

Avoid.

What makes lemons risky for dogs?

Limonene, linalool and psoralens (mostly in peel and plant).

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, skin sensitivity to sunlight, wobbliness (large amounts or oils).

What should I do if my dog ate lemons?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. Call your vet if a cat ate lemon or licked citrus oil.

Is lemons safe for cats too?

No. The essential oils and psoralens in lemons and other citrus are toxic to cats.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list
  3. Pet Poison Helpline: poisons

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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