Many of us enjoy a spicy chili pepper, and jalapeños are the most famous of all! They may seem harmless, but are they a good idea for your canine friend? Can dogs eat jalapeños? Here is all you need to know on this subject!
Can dogs eat jalapeños?
No, jalapeños are not safe for dogs to eat.
Jalapeños are a type of chili pepper, and, like all peppers, come from the capsicum plant family. They contain a substance called capsaicin, which is what gives them their spicy flavor.
Capsaicin is toxic to dogs, and it irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal system. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog, and some dogs are much more sensitive to capsaicin than others.
Interestingly, bell peppers are also part of the capsicum family, but they do not contain capsaicin and are not toxic to dogs. So, stick to feeding salad peppers to your dog, and keep the spicy ones for yourself!
What are the signs of toxicity?
The symptoms of capsaicin toxicity are very variable, as it depends on the amount eaten and how sensitive your dog is to spicy foods. Common symptoms can include:
- Abdominal bloating and excess gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or blood in the feces
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
What to do if my dog ate jalapeños?
Unfortunately, our dogs don’t always know what is good or bad for them, and they may be tempted to tuck into a spicy jalapeño or two!
Even if your dog has eaten a jalapeño before without any noticeable problems, it is a good idea to ring your veterinary clinic if this happens again. It is not always easy to tell when a dog is feeling unwell, and minor bloating can quickly turn into more serious vomiting and diarrhea.
A bigger problem is if your dog has tucked into spicy human food, such as a curry or chili con carne. Not only will this most likely contain high levels of capsaicin, but also other potentially toxic ingredients such as onions and garlic.
Your veterinarian will most likely advise that you monitor your dog for any signs of an adverse reaction, such as lethargy, inappetence, or bloating. If this occurs your dog may need to be hospitalized for supportive medical care.
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