Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos? Are Jalapenos Bad for Dogs?

Is a spicy jalapeno Sloppy Joe burger your favorite weekend treat? Do you notice Fido's eyes light up when you tuck in? If you answered yes to both, you are not alone.

Sharing is caring, right? Well, not in this case, as dogs should not eat Jalapenos. Although they aren't toxic in any way, you can be sure that both you and the dog are in for a nasty 24-hour period of being ill from both ends. So, please do all you can to avoid them eating these spicy chilis.

Here in this guide, we will run you through why dogs can't eat jalapenos, the consequences of them eating them, and other, less spicy, alternatives for them to try.

Let's take a closer look.

What is a Jalapeño?

A jalapeno is a medium-sized chili. It is usually green in color, but if left on the plant, it will gradually turn red. A mature jalapeno will grow to measure an average of 2 to 4 inches long. On the Scoville spice measuring scale, a Jalapeno scores an average of 5,000 Scoville Heat Units. For humans, this is hot, but not too hot. But for Fido, it'll blow his socks off.

Spicy foods and chilis contain a compound called capsaicin, and it is this compound that causes a burning sensation in your mouth. When it hits the stomach, it then irritates the lining, which will cause your pooch to feel ill.

Why Can't Dogs Eat Jalapeños?

The reason why dogs cannot eat jalapenos is that they are too hot for them to handle. A dog's digestive system is not designed to eat spicy foods. So, as his dog mom or dog dad, the responsibility is yours. Mild foods only, please!

Their stomach is neither used to spicy food nor designed to eat it. And just like humans who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, spicy foods will irritate those with a sensitive stomach more than those who do not have it. And this is the same for Fido and their delicate stomach.

As we have already mentioned, jalapenos, unlike other human foods, are not toxic to dogs. Which is excellent if they accidentally eat one, because there is no reason to head to the nearest vet. But, get ready for armageddon. Because the next 24 hours (or longer!) will be full of poorly tummies, sickness and diarrhea, and a generally unhappy pooch.

So with this in mind, you should avoid feeding jalapenos at all costs, or anything spicy for that matter.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats a Jalapeño?

As already mentioned, there isn't a lot you can do. Just be ready for the fallout. Make sure they are as comfortable as possible and that they have access to fresh water at all times so that they don't become dehydrated. If you have an heirloom rug that sits pride of place in the living room, you might want to remove it or prevent them from having access to it.

If his sickness or diarrhea goes on for longer than 48 hours, you should get them to the vet. This could be as a result of their body reacting severely to it, or that it has damaged their internal digestive lining.

Alternatively, it could be that something else unrelated is at fault.

Is There Anything I Can Feed My Dog to Counteract the Spiciness?

To help with diarrhea, you can try feeding your dog a natural remedy, such as plain oatmeal or canned pumpkin. This often helps with extra fiber.

You could also try adding a few tablespoons of cow's milk to their water bowl. Not only will this help to soothe their stomach lining, but it will also encourage them to drink more water to replenish the fluids that they have lost.

What Alternatives Can I Feed My Dog?

Unfortunately, nothing spicy. But you could always feed your dog a few slices or bites of bell pepper. Any color will do (although the red bell pepper is the most nutritious).

They are crunchy, low in fat and calories, and full of vitamins and minerals for your dog's overall health. A healthy treat that dogs love, minus the spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

Now you know not to feed your pooch jalapenos, or anything spicy for that matter. Not only will it make them very unwell for 24 to 48 hours, but the neverending gas will be unbearable for you and the whole family.

If they have a spicy "snackcident," be sure to keep an eye on them for the following 48 hours. There are plenty of healthy snacks for Fido to choose from, with bell peppers being one of them.

See Also: Can Dogs Eat Cactus? What The Science Says!

Featured Image Credit: Brett_Hondow, Pixabay