Technically dogs can eat chillies; they aren’t poisonous, however eating too many chilli peppers can be uncomfortable for your dog and can cause digestive issues. Dogs don’t usually like the taste of chillies, so the chances that they would eat more than one are slim. However, if they do get their paws on one, then it’s important to be aware of how they might affect your pooch.
What if my dog has eaten a chilli?
If your dog has eaten a chilli, but they seem fine then don’t stress over it too much. One probably won’t hurt and if it’s something mild like a jalapeno or peppadew then they probably won’t experience adverse effects. If it’s a green chilli or something similar that contains a lot of capsaicin (the naturally occurring chemical that makes chillies feel hot), then this won’t be good for your dog as that compound doesn’t sit well with their tummies.
Symptoms to look out for
It’s not recommended to feed your dog chillies because of the stomach issues that it can cause, but if they have eaten one then look out for these symptoms and if you’re concerned call a vet.
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Burping
- Drinking excessive amounts of water
If you’ve got more questions similar to ‘can my dog eat chillies?’ then head over to our advice and welfare page for more info on what foods your dog should avoid or browse our blog for more doggy diet inspiration.