Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?
Dogs shouldn’t eat jalapenos! It’s common sense that dogs shouldn’t have spicy food, but mistakes happen, and sometimes our dogs get a little too adventurous. The good news is that while jalapenos are hot and spicy and can upset their stomach, they’re not toxic—so don’t worry!
Jalapenos contain a substance called capsaicin that makes them hot, and this can irritate a dog’s stomach. If your dog eats jalapenos, they might vomit or have diarrhea, and their stomach may hurt, causing general distress. But the good news is that even though they’re spicy, jalapenos aren’t toxic to dogs. If your dog ate some, don’t beat yourself up about it—some dogs have a weird fixation on spicy veggies like arugula or radishes. I’ll explain below how you can help them manage the heat if they eat jalapenos.
Why some dogs love jalapenos?
Dogs can be adventurous eaters because they explore the world through their senses. Sometimes, it’s the smell of fresh jalapenos that intrigues them, but you might wonder, why aren’t they bothered by the heat?
The thing is, dogs don’t experience taste sensations the way we do, and they might not even find jalapenos as spicy as we do. This could be why some dogs might actually want to steal your spicy food.
Then, there’s the texture—dogs love anything crunchy. And sometimes, they just want to steal food because it’s playful for them. So, if your dog somehow ate a jalapeno, don’t stress; it’s not your fault.
Are jalapenos safe for dogs?
Jalapenos are safe, but they’re not recommended. While they’re not toxic or deadly to dogs, and you don’t need to panic if your dog eats some, jalapenos should never be part of your dog’s diet. The peppers don’t have any dangerous chemicals like chocolate or xylitol, so they won’t poison your dog or cause any long-term issues.
However, the heat can cause some major discomfort. The capsaicin in jalapenos can irritate your dog’s mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Some larger dogs might seem fine, while smaller dogs could have quite a bit of trouble.
What happens when dogs eat jalapenos?
Since dogs can’t handle hot and spicy food, the first thing that can happen is vomiting and diarrhea. These reactions can occur anytime a dog eats something new, so it’s not always alarming, but it’s better to watch out for the following issues:
How to help your dog if they ate too many jalapenos
First of all, don’t panic—remember, jalapenos are not toxic to dogs. If your dog accidentally ate a few jalapenos, here’s how you can help them:
You’d think it’s obvious not to give dogs jalapenos, but you’d be surprised how often they manage to grab one from the garden or snatch it off the kitchen counter. If that happens, don’t freak out. Your dog might feel a little uncomfortable, but with some extra attention, they should be fine pretty soon. Just keep the spicy stuff out of reach next time and stick to treats that are safe for them!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQ
Can dogs eat pickled jalapenos?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat pickled jalapenos. Even though regular jalapenos aren’t toxic, the pickled kind comes with extra stuff like vinegar, salt, and spices that can be bad for dogs. Too much salt can cause dehydration, raise blood pressure, or even lead to salt poisoning in severe cases. Plus, the vinegar and spices can upset their stomachs. It’s really best to skip the pickled jalapenos and go for treats that are actually good for them!