While grapefruit can be amazingly beneficial to us humans and poses zero toxicity danger, grapefruit should be off-limits when we are talking about dogs.
So, can dogs have grapefruit?
No, your dog better not do it. Having grapefruit may cause him many problems from vomiting to loose stool, etc. “The citric acid in grapefruit is so high it can throw off your dog’s digestive system,” says Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey. “There are a few different reasons why dogs might have an adverse reaction to grapefruit,” Dempsey says. “The rind has essential oils which are toxic to dogs.” Plus, the pulp is so acidic. Yes, you may love the sour flavor, but similar acidity levels can mess up your dog’s digestive system completely.
Another nail to grapefruit’s coffin is the fact that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has added the grapefruit on their list of toxic dog foods. This fruit could even lead to poisoning, and it is definitely not something some would wish for a pet.
What to do if a dog eats grapefruit?
If your dog tries even the tiniest quantity of grapefruit, you have to look out for toxicity signs pet might display, such as:
- Vomiting, which indicates that your dog’s body is working properly and is trying to eliminate the toxic ingredients it just consumed;
- Diarrhea;
- Photo-sensitivity;
- Depression and changes in behavior.
And If you’ve noticed any of those signs after your dog bit grapefruit, it’s for the best to consult with your vet. Grapefruit’s skin and other parts, like seeds, are also toxic to canines. The pulp is very acidic but is not poisonous like the rind, so if you are going to jump on the call with your vet, you have to be prepared to share all the details on exact parts of the grapefruit that were consumed.
It will help with the correct diagnoses and plan of following actions. In some extreme cases, when a pup ate grapefruit, the blood transfusion was required. But let’s hope that you and your pooch will never be in such a position, especially now when you are armed with all the facts.
Grapefruits and dogs. Summary
Sadly, dogs can’t have grapefruit. This fruit is even in the list of toxic dog’s foods. The principal symptoms of grapefruit poisoning include vomiting, photosensitivity, and diarrhea. Other less prevalent symptoms include shaking, rashes and general debility. In severe cases, some dogs may require the blood transfusion to recover entirely from fruit’s toxicity. So let’s keep that grapefruit at bay from your pup’s bowl.
Credits: thanks for the cover photo to Pixabay.com.
