Can Dogs Drink Lemon Water?

If you have a dog, you probably know that dogs don’t often like sour tastes. This sour taste, of course, includes lemons and lemon water. If you’re like many people, you may drink lemon water for its health benefits. Your own tastes don’t mean that lemon water will benefit your dog. 

can dogs drink lemon water
Can dogs drink lemon water safely?

While a small amount of lemon water probably won’t hurt your dogs if they want to drink it, you shouldn’t push them to do so. You should also know that ingesting too much citrus fruit or juice may be toxic for your canine companion. That is because of psoralens and essential oils in citrus fruits. 

Is Lemon Water Bad for Dogs? 

Most dogs hate the sour taste of lemon water, so they won’t drink it even if you give it to them. While lemon water is healthy for humans, that doesn’t mean you should give it to canines. If you add lemon water to your dog’s water bowl, there is a danger they won’t drink their water and become dehydrated. 

Most dogs shouldn’t be given any lemon water. That is because it’s so likely to irritate its stomach and the rest of its gastrointestinal system. 

an irish water spaniel dog
The beauty of an Irish Water Spaniel (non-shedding big dog breed)

Are Lemons Toxic to Dogs

If dogs overeat lemon or drink too much lemon juice, it may be toxic. Fortunately, most dogs hate the taste of lemon and will stay away from this food. 

The reason lemons are toxic to dogs if eaten in more significant amounts is that they contain psoralens and essential oil. If your dog has lemon poisoning, some potential symptoms include: 

  • Dermatitis
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting 

Should You Give Your Dog Lemon Water?

Just because your dog seems willing to drink lemon water doesn’t mean you should give it to them. Remember, dogs sometimes want to eat whatever their human companion eats. They might just drink it because of that factor and then end up with an upset tummy. 

If you give your dogs lemon water, don’t give them too much. Most dogs hate the taste of lemon water, and you probably won’t be able to get them to drink any at all. That is why adding too much lemon juice to your dog’s water may discourage him from getting hydrated, and this is dangerous. 

f2bb bernedoodle dog in a lake
An F2bb Bernedoodle enjoying snow (just like all Bernedoodles!)

Can Dogs Drink Honey and Lemon 

We’ve already gone over whether dogs should have a lemon. We know that dogs don’t like lemon water, but it should be just a tiny quantity if they do have any. 

So what about honey? Honey and lemon are common home remedies people take when they have colds. Maybe you’ve been making this, and your dog begged you for a taste. 

If you’d like, you can give your dog a little bit of honey. Remember the calorie component, though. Obesity is a dangerous condition for dogs. 

Obesity in Dogs

Even if your dog doesn’t have diabetes or blood sugar issues, giving them food with too much sugar may lead to obesity. Obesity, of course, has numerous potential adverse health effects. 

Are Citrus Foods Bad for Dogs? 

malese and yorkie puppy
A beautiful duo of Maltese dogs and a similarly tiny and cute Yorkie pup (Check out our Maltese vs Yorkie comparison guide)

Generally speaking, you should avoid offering citrus fruits to your canine companions. Overall, dogs dislike the tangy taste of citrus, so keeping it away from them shouldn’t be a problem. 

However, dogs are notorious for wanting whatever their owners eat, so they might try to get your citrus fruits. Try to keep this food away from them, as they will probably end up with stomach and digestive system upset. 

Also, consuming citrus may be toxic for your canine companion. Citrus contains psoralens and essential oils that are harmful to dogs. 

Also, if your dog has diabetes, they shouldn’t eat most fruit. They should especially avoid oranges. Remember, fruit, while healthy for humans, is full of sugar. A diabetic dog must have careful blood sugar management. 

Super low sugar fruit like watermelons can be a safe snack for dogs though.

Can Dogs Drink Lime Water? 

Your dog is very unlikely to want to drink lime water. However, if they seem to want to, you can try giving them a little. Like lemon water, putting lime water into your dog’s water bowl may put your dog off drinking it, leading to dehydration and potentially severe health problems.  

Like lemon water, lime water is acidic and may lead to gastrointestinal problems for your dog. In other words, your canine companion may end up with an upset tummy. 

What Is Lemon Water Spray for Dogs?

Lemon water spray for dogs is a mixture dog owners make at home to repel fleas and ticks from their pets. As mentioned earlier, you should only use this on a dog with a thick coat so that the lemon water won’t get directly on their skin. Only spray a little bit on the surface of your dog’s coat.  

black and gold yorkie has bath
A black and gold Yorkie having a bath

Is Lemon Juice Good for Your Dog’s Skin? 

Lemon juice is not suitable for your dog’s skin at all. Lemon juice is acidic, and you shouldn’t apply it to your dog’s skin. It will cause irritation and discomfort for your pet. 

Some people, however, spray small amounts of lemon juice on their dog’s coat to keep away fleas and ticks. However, you should only do this if your dog has a thick coat. That is because you don’t want the lemon juice to get onto your pet’s skin. 

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water? 

Maybe you like drinking cucumber water because it helps keep you hydrated. Has your dog asked you for some of this liquid? If so, that’s quite unusual! Or maybe it isn’t if your pup is the type that asks for absolutely everything you have.  

Most dogs wouldn’t be interested in drinking cucumber water, but it’s OK to give it to them if they want some. Cucumber water is safe for dogs because cucumbers themselves are also safe. 

However, if you ever let your dogs eat cucumbers, only do so after you have chopped them up. Don’t give your dog foods that could end up as choking hazards. 

can dogs have blueberry muffins
Can dogs have blueberry muffins?

Final Thoughts

You shouldn’t give your dogs lemon water. They probably won’t like it, as it has a sour taste.

Sure it might not give much harm (certainly not like toilet water!) – but it is still best to avoid giving your dog flavored water.

Even if your pets ask for it, you shouldn’t give it to them. It is best to protect our furry friends by providing them with food made for their stomachs.