There have been many reports published citing the health benefits from eating jalapeno peppers so you might be wondering whether jalapenos are bad for dogs given how spicy they can get. Although these peppers don’t necessarily contain any harmful compounds for dogs, jalapenos don’t make the best treat for your pup.
In fact, most experts advise against giving jalapenos as a treat because spicy foods can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. Dogs that eat jalapenos may experience bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, dehydration, and other stomach issues. Here’s everything you need to know about your dog having jalapenos and why peppers can be bad and harmful for pets.
Jalapenos Are Bad For Dogs
Most dogs aren’t used to having spices in their diets and their digestive systems aren’t built to handle spicy food. In fact, they can end up developing a lot of health problems, the least of which are stomach upsets, diarrhea, or constipation.
Not only should you avoid giving jalapeno peppers to your dog, but it is also best to avoid all hot peppers including chili peppers, habanero peppers, and the super-hot ghost peppers.
This doesn’t mean that all types of peppers are bad for dogs. Many dogs love bell peppers, which are sweet rather than hot, and perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Some dog owners reported seeing little symptoms after their dog ate a jalapeno pepper but this doesn’t mean that these are safe for your pup.
Hot peppers won’t kill your dog but it can make them very uncomfortable. Vomiting and diarrhea are likely to be your biggest problems, which can lead to dehydration if it goes on for too long.
My Dog Ate A Jalapeno Pepper
Dogs are sneaky so you should know what to do if your dog eats a jalapeno. Pups have a tendency to eat a lot of things they shouldn’t when we aren’t looking. The health impact on your dog from jalapenos depends on how much they actually eat.
Unless they manage to eat a lot of jalapenos, you likely don’t need to worry. If they only had a few bites or slices, the worst that will likely happen is a bit of stomach upset, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea.
If you think that your dog has ingested larger amounts of jalapeno peppers, or any other hot peppers, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. In some circumstances, you may need to have further testing done on your pup to determine the appropriate treatment to help alleviate any digestive issues.
Also, some dogs are allergic to jalapeno peppers, and even a small amount can cause serious reactions.
No, Dogs Can’t Have Jalapenos
Your dog may want to have some jalapenos if you are eating them, but it is not a good idea to give in to their begging when it comes to hot and spicy foods. You can give them sliced up bell peppers, pineapples, apples, or even bok choy, which they will love and are perfectly safe for them to eat in moderation. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid giving your dogs spicy food, including jalapenos or other hot peppers.