If you’re a fan of jalapeno poppers, tacos, and fresh salsa, you probably have a jalapeno or two resting on your counter. Curious pups who counter-surf will usually skip over the vegetables, especially the spicy ones. But if your dog did get ahold of a jalapeno you may be wondering — can dogs eat jalapenos, and are the stems and seeds safe?
Are jalapenos and their stems and seeds safe for dogs to eat?
Don’t worry, if a jalapeno-loaded nacho falls to the floor and gets picked up by your fluffy friend you should know that jalapenos are not toxic to dogs. Whether it’s the seeds, stems, skin, or other parts of the vegetable, they are all equally non-toxic. However, this doesn’t mean you should start sharing those spicy dishes with your pup either. Jalapenos can wreak havoc on a dog’s sensitive digestive system, causing many issues for your pup and your house.
Firstly, jalapenos are a spicy pepper, and while there are plenty of spicier ones, that heat impacts your dog more than it does you. Dog digestive systems are not made to handle spicy foods like jalapenos and other peppers.
Dogs’ taste receptors aren’t quite as strong as ours, so your pet may not realize the heat until after it hits the back of their tongues. After this, they will react to the pepper similarly to humans — by sneezing, experiencing stomach pain and bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. This can make for a few hours, even up to a day, of unpleasant symptoms for your pet. In turn, this can make for quite a bit of cleanup for you around your house — so watch out for your carpets and rugs!
What causes these symptoms?
Jalapenos are one of the least spicy peppers according to the Scoville Heat Unit scale. Even so, they can be too spicy for some humans and certainly too spicy for our dogs. Many humans who have irritable bowel syndrome or similar conditions can’t tolerate spicy food — think of your pup in the same way. The hot feeling of jalapenos comes from a compound called capsaicin. This is part of a jalapeno that gives the hot and spicy sensation in your mouth and stomach. It also irritates the stomach lining in humans and dogs, which leads to those unpleasant symptoms mentioned earlier.
What to do if your dog does eat a jalapeno?
While there isn’t a lot you can do other than sit with them, they will appreciate your presence and care. Just like you love having your dog keep you company while sick, they likely feel the same way about you.
Be sure to provide them with fresh water, as your pup will be more thirsty than usual. This is because they are trying to wash down the spicy flavor, just like you would. Eating jalapenos can cause an excessive thirst for many hours afterward, so make sure you keep refilling their dish.
If they vomit or have diarrhea, don’t scold your dog — they can’t control their symptoms. Unfortunately, these things have a way of happening on soft surfaces like rugs or couches, so make sure to get a good fabric cleaner. Try to spend time outside with them if possible in the first few hours, as they will likely vomit then. If you notice them eating grass, they are doing so to try and induce vomiting. Let them do so unless you spray pesticides or other chemicals on your lawn. Don’t forget to provide lots of water if you decide to stay outdoors or indoors, as this is key to flushing out their system.
If your dog is showing signs of severe discomfort, get them to a veterinarian right away. You know your pup best, and it’s always better to be safe and get them checked out if you feel something is wrong. Some dogs have food allergies or medical conditions that can be exacerbated by eating a jalapeno.
Liking the taste?
Surprisingly, some pet owners have found that their dogs seem to enjoy jalapenos. Because their taste buds aren’t quite as strong as ours, the spice may not bother them. They may just think they’re getting a crunchy treat to chew on. However, just because your dog seems to enjoy the spicy pepper doesn’t mean that it’s good for them. It will take a few minutes to hours for them to start feeling the effects of the pepper, and they usually won’t realize the correlation. It is our responsibility as owners to know what is good for them and what to avoid.
If you do notice that your pup just loves to crunch on peppers, there are some alternatives. Bell peppers are a healthy treat that dogs can eat in moderation. Of course, they are still classified as a pepper, albeit a sweet one, and should be treated as a treat. The best food you can provide for your pup is food that is made for them, like dog treats and dog food. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the hard work and compiled a list of the best dog foods.
Wondering what other foods dogs can or can’t eat? Here are a few articles to pique your interest:
Are dogs able to eat tomatoes?
Can dogs eat spicy foods?
