Dogs should not eat lemons. While the fleshy part of lemons is not toxic, lemons contain high levels of citric acid and compounds like psoralen, limonene, and linalool that are toxic to dogs. These can cause symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, and in severe cases, liver damage or intestinal obstruction. Additionally, the sour taste of lemons is unappealing to most dogs, which generally prevents them from eating lemons voluntarily. Lemon peel and lemon juice are particularly hazardous, and lemon- flavored products like cakes are also unsafe for dogs due to their high sugar and fat content. If a dog has ingested a lemon or its peel, contacting a veterinarian immediately is advised.
