Can dogs eat lemons and limes?

Raw, cooked and other forms of lemons and limes

• Skip itFruit flesh (a lick or tiny piece) ASPCA says the ripe flesh is edible, and PetMD says a small taste likely won't cause severe problems. But the acid can still upset her stomach.
• Skip itLemon or lime juice More concentrated than the fruit. PetMD: never give lemon juice; lime juice can cause stomach or neurologic signs.
• ToxicPeel, rind and pith They contain essential oils and psoralens (ASPCA), plus limonene and linalool (PetMD). Rinds can also cause a blockage.
• ToxicLeaves, stems, seeds and the plant ASPCA lists lemon and lime plants as toxic to dogs. Citrus stems, leaves, peels and seeds contain citric acid and essential oils.
• ToxicLemon or lime essential oil AKC: the aromatic oils are toxic and can irritate skin. Lemon oil may harm the liver or cause gastroenteritis.
• Skip itLemonade, key lime pie, lemon sweets High in citric acid and sugar (AKC, PetMD).

Why dogs should skip lemons and limes

Essential oils (including limonene and linalool) and psoralens, which are concentrated in the peel and plant, plus citric acid in the juice and flesh.

Signs to watch for after she eats lemons and limes

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, poor appetite, lethargy or depression, and skin irritation. Larger amounts or peel can cause loss of coordination and tremors; rinds can also cause a blockage. Disorientation, tremors, trouble breathing or weakness are emergency signs.

What to do if your dog ate too much lemons and limes

If she just licked a lemon or ate a tiny piece of flesh and seems fine, watch her at home. If she ate peel, a whole lemon or lime, juice, the plant or any essential oil, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away, even if she seems fine. Go to the vet immediately if she seems disoriented, trembles, struggles to breathe or is weak.