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The fruits of the lemon and lime trees are well-known additions to food and drink in the human world but can be a danger to our pets. Lemons and limes, like other citrus fruits, contain the essential oils limonene and linalool, as well as a phototoxic compound known as psoralens. Although a small amount is unlikely to pose a serious threat, it can cause gastrointestinal upset. Ingestion of larger quantities of these fruits, or the trees that they grow on, can cause more serious distress.
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are toxic to canines.
Lemon and Lime Poisoning Average Cost
From 586 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Symptoms of poisoning from citrus fruits like lemons and limes are caused by a combination of the phototoxic compounds known as psoralens and the essential oils limonene and linalool.
Types
Both psoralens and linalool are found in other plants as well. However the essential oil limonene is generally restricted to citrus plants. Other plants that produce linalool:
Other plants with high concentrations of psoralens:
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The toxicity of citrus plants lies in the essential oils limonene and linalool, as well as in the phototoxic compound psoralen.
Limonene
A terpene produced in all citrus fruits which is the main component in the aroma of the different citrus fruits. It is often used in cosmetic products, flavoring compounds, and cleaning products. d-limonene is often employed in fragrances and shampoos for dogs. It is important to note that although the amount of d-limonene in these shampoos is safe for most canines, can be lethal to use on cats.
Linalool
A terpene that contributes a floral scent to the citrus aroma, linalool is often utilized as an insecticide in soaps and lotions as a fragrance as well as being employed as an insecticide.
Psoralen
A compound found in many plants, including citrus plants like lemons and limes, it is used as a treatment for skin disorders but can also induce phototoxicity.
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If you catch your pet consuming any type of citrus plant, signs and symptoms combined with the identification of the plant may be sufficient to make an initial diagnosis. Your veterinarian will question you regarding factors that will help to choose the most effective treatment plan, such as the amount of plant material ingested, how long ago it was ingested, and what part of the plant was eaten. If the toxin is unknown because the ingestion was unwitnessed, a urinalysis, blood chemistry profile, and complete blood count will be needed in order to determine which toxin is causing the distress.
Any skin interaction will be noted, and any vomit or stools will be analyzed for toxins as well. Neurological testing to measure your pet’s reflexes and coordination may also occur during the diagnostic appointment. These evaluations are done in an attempt to pinpoint the specific areas of the nervous system that have been affected.
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Any parts of the skin that have been exposed to the oil of the citrus plant should be washed immediately removed using a mild soap and clean water. Limonene and linalool are included in several dog shampoos as a fragrance and therefore, should be avoided when removing citrus oil. It is not advised to induce vomiting as breathing the oil into the lungs can be harmful. Gastric irrigation will be performed on the patient to physically remove as much of the toxin from the digestive system as possible. Activated charcoal will then be administered to prevent any further absorption of the toxic compound into the bloodstream.
There is no antidote for either the psoralens or the essential oils, so treatment is generally supportive beyond decontamination. This can include IV fluids for dehydration as well as mixtures of electrolytes and sugars to adjust for any imbalances that might develop. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, oxygen will be provided, and antiseizure medications may be administered if tremors become acute.
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Prognosis is typically good as the poisoning symptoms only last a few hours, however, ingestion of essential oils including lemons and limes can have a more dire outcome. Dogs that require gastric lavage and are recovering from anesthesia may have coordination difficulties and confusion until the sedatives have fully cleared the patient’s system. Cases of phototoxicity have developed with citrus poisoning, and your pet should be sheltered from sunlight for around 48 hours after treatment to prevent skin reactions. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend regular monitoring of blood chemistry levels for your pet after any type of poisoning, particularly in relation to liver and kidney functionality or impairment.
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Lemon and Lime Poisoning Average Cost
From 586 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
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Ask a Vet
Australian Cattle Dog
Five Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Basically, I came home to find my pup had eaten a small cup of lime crema that I forgot to put away. I know the essential oils in lime peels can be toxic, but what about a lime based sauce? I’m guessing he should be fine but I figured I’d ask.
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I hope that he was okay. The sauce may have caused some GI upset, but I do not think that the lime in that sauce would be at a toxic dose.
Oct. 9, 2020
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Chihuahua
Eight Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog just ate a lemon Luna bar! How worried should I be!
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I do not think that there would be anything in that bar that would be toxic, but it could cause some GI upset. If your dog is having any vomiting or diarrhea, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Pit Bull
Four Years
Unknown severity
7 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Hi! My dog ate half of a squeezed lemon and peel from off the table - I saw her do it and she didn't even chew, just swallowed it whole. I've been reading that lemons can be really bad for dogs. What should we do?
Aug. 21, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
7 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. Lemons are not toxic to dogs but can cause them to vomit or have diarrhea. If this happens, it may be best to see your vet for medication to help treat her symptoms. Good Luck.
Aug. 21, 2020
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Pit Bullmastiff
Three Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Half a lemon fell On floor and he snatched it up and ate it Do I induce vomiting with him or what should I do?
Aug. 7, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I don't expect a toxicity from that amount of lemon, and the lemon should actually be broken down in the stomach and not have a huge risk for foreign body. There may be some GI upset, and you may want to feed him a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a couple of days. It would be best also to monitor for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, and if those occur, then it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. I hope it all goes well.
Aug. 7, 2020
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Maltese mix
Six Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog a couple of leaves off a lemon tree last night. Should I take him in as an emergency visit?
July 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, This plant is toxic to dogs. Common signs that you will see are vomiting and diarrhea. If he just ate a small amount he may be just fine. Since you are already noticing some GI signs it would be best to take your dog to the vet, especially since your dog is small. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 25, 2020
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Pickles
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
6 Months
Fair severity
1 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Hi, I just caught my 6 month old puppy eating the leaves off my lemon tree. I have no idea how many he has eaten, he was already a bit lethargic before eating the lime leaves so its a bit hard to tell if its that, he does already have a vet appointment for Saturday, but should I be getting him in sooner?
Tikkani
Siberian Husky
1 Year
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Our husky got a hold of half a slice of lime, that had been sitting in a glass of water. He had swallowed it before I could open his mouth to get it out. About an hour or two later, I noticed he was just laying around. He didn't come to his bed like he normally does. I monitored him through the night, to check breathing, and if anything around his stomach irritated him. This morning, he was still lethargic. I tried to get him to drink water, but instead he chose to chew on some ice cubes. I will make him some boiled chicken and rice tonight to get him to eat. Should I make an appointment with the Veterinarian?
Umbra
Siberian Husky
10 Months
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My 10 month old husky just ate one wedge of lemon potatoes. This was seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano and a little lemon juice. She seems to be energetic and weighs about 40 pounds. Should I be concerned?
Charlie
Mix
6 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I made some fish on Sunday afternoon. The fish was seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, and lemon to finish. My family ate most of it, but the remaining bits were given to our 6 y.o. mix breed, Charlie. He was fine most of Monday but began acting funny late Monday night: sluggish and protective. This morning (Tuesday), he is still sluggish but is eating. No poop or vomit.
Javier
Chiweenie
11 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I have an 11 year old, 9 lb chi weenie who drank about a third of a can of flat lime LaCroix; the water no longer had carbonation because it had been out overnight. Happened about an hour ago, and it’s bedrime here so he’s sleepy anyway. Ate some cheese cracker treats after. No symptoms, but I know the LaCroix is flavored with lime essence oils and I’m concerned. Do you think he will be okay or does it need to be more concentrated to cause problems? I always worry because he’s so small.
Lemon and Lime Poisoning Average Cost
From 586 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
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