Lemonade is a staple treat for those hot summer days. You may be asking yourself can dogs drink lemonade? Can I share my lemonade with my dog? Before you give your dog a new food or drink, it is essential to research and ensure it is safe. There are many drinks and foods out there that are unsafe for dogs but safe for us humans. So, can dogs drink lemonade? Find out here.
Can Dogs Drink Lemonade?
No, lemonade should be avoided because it has a high citric acid content and a high sugar content. Dogs usually have a very alkaline or neutral pH diet, and if your dog consumes a lot of acidic things, it can really throw the balance off.
Not only that but the amount of sugar typically put inside lemonade can cause your dog’s blood sugar to rise, and this happens in dogs much easier than us humans. Other side effects can include vomiting, stomach upset, and acid reflux.
Can Dogs Eat Lemons?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Yes, your dog could enjoy the inside flesh of a lemon slice or two, but it can harm your dog in large quantities. You shouldn’t feed your dog lemons due to the amount of citric acid they carry inside of them.
As you know from above citric acid can be very harmful to your dog’s digestive system. A slice or two won’t do too much harm, depending on the size of your dog. However, if you allow your dog to eat large quantities of lemon, it can cause acid reflux or other health issues.
Your dog also may take one lick and decide that lemons are not the treat for them. The acid and sourness of the lemon will usually deter a dog, just like if you gave a baby a taste to watch their reaction. However, your dog may continue to eat it just to please you, the owner.
Can Dogs Drink Pink Lemonade?
No, your dog cannot have pink lemonade. It has the same risk as regular lemonade, and sometimes that pink lemonade is artificially colored to make it pink. Even if you are giving your dog the most natural form of lemonade, you should still avoid giving it to your dog.
Side Effects of Lemonade for Dogs
We have mentioned some of the common side effects above, but I can go over them again as a review of why you do not want to let your dog drink lemonade.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Dogs do not typically like to eat or drink acidic foods by nature. Dogs will generally avoid this on their own, but if they consume high acidic foods, it can cause gastrointestinal upset. This can happen if your dog eats too much, whether you are aware of that or not.
Some common symptoms of gastrointestinal upset are vomiting, acid reflux, and sometimes even a fever. If your dog eats very acidic foods for long periods of time, it can cause more serious conditions.
Blood Sugar Rise
Added sugar into a diet is never good. We all know one of the great things about lemonade is that it is sweet. However, all of that sugar can increase your dog’s blood sugar levels, leading to other problems such as diabetes and even obesity from the increased amount of sugar consumption. So that is just another reason why you should avoid giving your dog lemonade.
What to Do If Dog Drinks Lemonade
So, accidents happen, and sometimes dogs get into things that they aren’t supposed to get into. If your dog drinks lemonade, first assess how much your dog consumed lemonade. A small amount will likely not harm your dog in a big way, but a large amount can.
First, watch your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction, especially if this is the first time your dog as ever consumed lemonade before. Then if your dog drank a lot of lemonade, you will need to look out for signs of acid reflux and vomiting.
You should also have water available for your dog because the sugary acid taste can make your dog feel thirsty. If your dog is acting weird or displaying odd behavior, you can always phone call your local vet and see if they can give you some guidance.
Can Dogs Drink Lemon Water?
Yes, your dog can actually enjoy some lemon water. While this shouldn’t be given to your dog in large quantities, it does have some health benefits you should know about. Lemons are full of vitamin C. This vitamin helps support your dog’s immune system as well as helps benefit the hair and nails of your dog. Lemon water can also freshen your dog’s breath.
This does not need to be used just as a drink; it can actually be applied on the outside of your dog’s skin as well. Lemon water works as a holistic and natural flea repellant. Fleas do not like the smell of lemons, and if the lemon water does not work, you can always try lemon oil. This also helps to be a natural microbial on your dog’s coat.
As you know, there is one major drawback is the acidic nature of lemons. This is why lemons are not usually recommended to give to dogs. However, if you give your dog lemon water, make sure it is not too much, or it can give your dog some of the problems we discussed throughout this article.
Alternatives for Lemonade for Dogs
Here you will find some safe alternatives for drinks for your dog that are similar to lemonade.
Fresh Water – This is an obvious option, but fresh water you always be accessible for your dog. Remember to check your dog’s water bowl often to ensure it isn’t empty and fill it with water.
Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe vera juice is a very healthy drink that can benefit your dog’s health in many ways. A small amount goes a long way in aiding in your dog’s digestion and skin problems.
Kombucha – If you are a kombucha drinker, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that it is very healthy if consumed in small amounts. It is a holistic drink that can help digestion, skin, and is even full of probiotics and antioxidants.
Overall
Can dogs drink lemonade? The answer is no. If your dog is really thirsty, you should go with fresh water instead of lemonade. Lemonade has too many negative side effects for dogs that it should be avoided. If your dog accidentally gets into lemonade, remember not to panic and watch out for severe symptoms. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian about your dog if you are worried.