When it comes to sharing our favourite treats with our canine companions, it’s essential to know which foods are safe and which ones might pose a risk. Lemon cake, with its tangy flavour and sugary sweetness, is a popular dessert among humans, but what health effects can eating lemon cake have on dogs?
Can dogs eat lemon cake?
Lemon cake is not toxic to dogs, however, it is high in fat and sugar. It’s definitely not healthy for your dog. A small amount of lemon cake fed as an occasional treat is unlikely to be life threatening, but you should not feed your dog lemon cake regularly, as this could lead to weight gain, diabetes, and high blood sugar. If your dog eats a large amount of lemon cake, they are likely to suffer from an upset stomach, and potentially pancreatitis.
What if my dog accidentally eats lemon cake?
If your dog ate lemon cake that was left unattended on a kitchen counter or a bag, don’t panic. Keep an eye on your pet and look out for the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
If your dog is simply lethargic and/or nauseous, it’s likely they’re suffering from an upset stomach. You can fast your dog for 6-12 hours until they’re feeling better. Once they’re ready to eat again, stick to their usual diet (something you know won’t cause a stomach upset). You can also cook some plain chicken and boil some rice for them to eat.
If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhoea, there is a risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). You should take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
What does it mean if my dog is licking their lips after eating lemon cake?
Licking their lips excessively (almost like a lizard) is a sign of nausea in dogs. This can be expected when dogs eat foods that are not part of their usual diet or foods that are high in fat and sugar.
Can dogs have lemon desserts?
It’s generally not a good idea to share desserts with your dog. Human desserts are high in fat and sugar. Ingestion of these can lead to stomach upset and long-term health issues such as obesity. However, there are plenty of healthy, dog-friendly dessert recipes that you can try making for your dog.
Can dogs drink lemon juice?
You might have seen viral videos online of owners giving their dogs a piece of lemon to see their hilarious reactions. While simply sniffing or licking a piece of lemon should be safe for dogs, you shouldn't let your dog eat lemons or lemon juice. Lemon juice is not toxic to dogs but is high in citric acid and can definitely upset their digestive system. The peel, pith, and seeds of the fruit are particularly dangerous if ingested.
