Symptoms of Lemon and Lime Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of poisoning from citrus fruits like lemons and limes are caused by a combination of the phototoxic compounds known as psoralens and the essential oils limonene and linalool.
Diagnosis of Lemon and Lime Poisoning in Dogs
If you catch your pet consuming any type of citrus plant, signs and symptoms combined with the identification of the plant may be sufficient to make an initial diagnosis. Your veterinarian will question you regarding factors that will help to choose the most effective treatment plan, such as the amount of plant material ingested, how long ago it was ingested, and what part of the plant was eaten. If the toxin is unknown because the ingestion was unwitnessed, a urinalysis, blood chemistry profile, and complete blood count will be needed in order to determine which toxin is causing the distress.
Any skin interaction will be noted, and any vomit or stools will be analyzed for toxins as well. Neurological testing to measure your pet’s reflexes and coordination may also occur during the diagnostic appointment. These evaluations are done in an attempt to pinpoint the specific areas of the nervous system that have been affected.
Treatment of Lemon and Lime Poisoning in Dogs
Any parts of the skin that have been exposed to the oil of the citrus plant should be washed immediately removed using a mild soap and clean water. Limonene and linalool are included in several dog shampoos as a fragrance and therefore, should be avoided when removing citrus oil. It is not always advised to induce vomiting as breathing the oil into the lungs can be harmful. Gastric irrigation will be performed on the patient to physically remove as much of the toxin from the digestive system as possible. Activated charcoal will then be administered to prevent any further absorption of the toxic compound into the bloodstream.
There is no antidote for either the psoralens or the essential oils, so treatment is generally supportive beyond decontamination. This can include IV fluids for dehydration as well as mixtures of electrolytes and sugars to adjust for any imbalances that might develop. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, oxygen will be provided, and antiseizure medications may be administered if tremors become acute.
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¿CAN DOGS EAT LEMONS? What to do if your Dog Ate
Let’s face it. Lemons probably aren’t high on your list of potential treats for your pooch. That’s a good thing, too. The question of whether they can eat this citrus fruit is no. It may even be toxic to your pet if he eats enough of it. However, dogs will be dogs, and some will eat just about anything they can find.
You’d think that the strong scent and acidity of lemons would be enough to deter him. Many animals avoid them naturally, including cats. It’s even an ingredient in repellants and stain eliminators to keep them from doing it again. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end with an unpleasant taste for your dog.