Can Dogs Have Lemon Juice? Top Ways That it Can Help Your Dog

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Even if you’re aware of whether or not dogs can consume lemon juice, it’s a safe bet they wouldn’t find it appealing. Given the extremely sour, wince-worthy flavor, it’s practically guaranteed. With that in mind, though, is it beneficial for dogs to have lemons?

Yes. Absolutely.

If you’re wondering whether or not dogs can have lemon juice, the answer is yes, but in moderation. While it’s not toxic to them, it’s best to avoid giving it to them in large amounts. That’s because lemon juice contains a high amount of citric acid, which can cause stomach upset like vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the acidic nature of lemon juice can harm your dog’s tooth enamel over time if given frequently. So, it’s better to choose fruits with lower levels of citric acid, such as oranges or tangerines, if you want to give your dog a citrus-flavored treat.

And as always, before you give your dog any new food or drink, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if it’s safe and appropriate for your dog’s unique health needs.

So yes, Lemon juice, in small quantities, can do your puppy good.

The bit to take note of here is “small quantities”.

Naturally, going wild by squeezing a couple of lemons into her meals or water could well make her ill.

Or at the very least turn her off the food you serve.
However, a reasonable amount of lemon juice can have some real benefits.

Can Dogs Have Lemon Juice? Yes! Here Are Its Benefits…

In excess amounts the acidity in lemon juice might cause your dog some tummy trouble.

But those same properties are what turn out to be beneficial, too, in appropriate amounts.

But the funny thing is, as far as nutritional benefits go, there aren’t that many where dogs are concerned.

We know, we know…

When you asked can dogs have lemons, we very much replied in the affirmative.

But think about it…

There’s more than one way of having lemons.

1. A Bit of Lemon Juice in Your Puppy’s Water – a Refreshing Drink

Lemon juice is known to be naturally refreshing.

So a bit of lemon juice in your puppy’s water can help her recover from fatigue and keep her sprightly.

Lemon juice also helps to counter bad breath.

And that’s not all.

Adding a bit of lemon juice to your dog’s daily diet is said to ease digestion too.

However, don’t think of the lemon juice as a harmless vitamin-C supplement for your puppy.

That can be a really bad idea.

For one, it’s unlikely that your puppy needs any supplements.

And we’ve already spoken of the potentially dangerous effects of feeding your dog supplements without a proper medically advised dosage.

So when preparing to add lemon juice to your puppy’s water, be very careful how much you’re adding.

Let’s consider a simple rule…

If you can taste the tart of the lemon in the water, it’s probably way too much.

Besides, your puppy would most likely hate the taste anyway.

2. Lemon Juice as an Effective Flea Repellent

Fleas on dogs are little monsters.

Once your puppy gets ‘em, getting rid of fleas can seem an impossible task.

Right?

Many owners often find themselves at a loss as to how to get rid of fleas.

Especially when it comes to getting rid of dog fleas using natural, homely, or in other words safe means.

Admit it.

You worry about it too, right?

And with the sheer number of solutions touted about out there, you get even more confused.

However, lemon juice is a known, fairly effective method of flea treatment for dogs.

Sure, it can’t possibly compete with potent chemical repellents.

Even home-made mixes of various organic products often have a combo effect that can work much better.

But for a quick, simple fix that you can apply even when you’re busy and in a hurry, lemon juice is awesome.

Although the probably the best way to use them is to steep some sliced lemons in some boiled water for a few hours, just squeezing some diluted fresh lemon juice works too.

Applying lemon juice topically can also help repel other insects apart from fleas such as ticks and mosquitoes.

You probably didn’t expect this when asking the question can dogs have lemon juice.

Right?

Not bad as far as simple home remedies for fleas go, eh?

3. As a Rinse or Cleanser for Your Puppy’s Coat

Lemon juice can be more than a flea repellent on your puppy’s coat.

That’s right.

Lemon juice is also pretty good as a cleaning and disinfecting rinse.

In fact, used in combo with ingredients like a bit of apple cider vinegar or green tea, it can be quite effective.

Compared to chemical infused commercial dog shampoos, conditioners and what not, this sounds appealing doesn’t it?

Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

NO THEY CAN’T.

Both grapes and raisins are known to be highly toxic to dogs when ingested.

Although the quantity at which they become dangerous isn’t quite clear – it would vary among breeds as well as individual dogs.

However, they have been known to cause fatal complications even in tiny quantities in cases.

So there you have it.

You wouldn’t want to take a chance.

Something in the flesh of grapes and raisins triggers terrible symptoms in dogs which include:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Renal failure
  • Seizures, and even coma in extreme cases

So if you know your dog to have ingested grapes or raisins even by accident, however small the quantity – act swiftly.

If your dog is in trouble, the only counter will be immediate and persistent treatment that would need injection of intravenous fluids.

So your vet’s presence is vital.

What About Apples? Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Yes!

Now that we’ve addressed the question can dogs have lemon juice – and grapes – let’s move on the ever popular apple.

In fact, a lot of dogs tend to love eating apples.

Apples turn out to be great for dogs – but again, in moderation.

Always everything in moderation – remember that rule.

And there’s another very important caveat when it comes to apples:

Do NOT let your dog swallow the seeds.

Apple seeds contain cyanide.

And eating the seeds makes the cyanide build up in the body to an eventually very dangerous level.

Once you remove the seeds and the core, however, apples are a perfectly healthy snack.

They are a good source of vitamin-C. fiber, phosphorus, calcium and useful antioxidants.

Plus, they’re one of the few sweet and tasty snacks your puppy can enjoy without you worrying.

Not a bad addition to her diet huh?

Conclusion

We hope you found this post on the question can dogs have lemon juice – and apples, come to think of it – useful.

Remember, however, that the safest way to make changes to your puppy’s diet is after consulting her vet about it!

Generic advice and tips may be useful to most, but they can’t take into account your puppy’s particular health and needs, can they?

Do let us know if you have any other tips and suggestions in the comments section below!

2 Comments

  1. I wash entire cartons of blueberries and squeeze an entire large lemon over them. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of Stevia if the berries are sour. That way I can eat berries anytime for several days. My 7 lb. Brussels Griffon loves blueberries fixed this way—she only gets 5 berries daily.

  2. I agree! I freeze blueberries (and thin apple slices) rinsed in lemon juice and water, and give them to my 6lb Yorkie as occasional treats . He loves them! And I’d much rather give him those than processed treats.

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