Some pepper plants are toxic to dogs.
Capsicum is a flowering plant that bears pepper fruits. It is a member of the family Solanaceae, which are closely related to tomatoes and eggplants. Capsicum comes in a wide assortment of sizes, colours, and piquance. All of these are good for human consumption, but the same cannot be said for dogs. There are certain varieties that your pet pooch should not be exposed to, particularly the ones with spice. These include jalapeños, chili peppers, cayenne, and serrano.
Similar to cats, dogs should not be exposed to some pepper plants. Ornamental peppers, for example, contain the toxic principle solanine that can harm your pet. Clinical symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances, stomach ulcers, seizures, depression, respiratory depression, and shock may occur after ingestion.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats pepper plants: Your dog’s reaction will depend on the type of pepper fruit and/or plant he ate. Symptoms can range from skin irritation to oral and stomach problems.
Keep a close eye on your dog as you contact your veterinarian. Share all your observations. If necessary, bring your pooch to the animal clinic. Take a sample of the plant, so your vet knows what they’re dealing with.
In addition, watch for general symptoms of poisoning. These may include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, pale gums, nausea, unsteadiness on feet, and tremors. Abnormal heart rate, agitation, convulsions, and difficulty in breathing may also occur.
In summary: Be a responsible dog parent. Check with your veterinarian before growing a new pepper plant at home. Since some varieties pack in a lot of heat, they may be unsafe for your pooch.
Aside from pepper plants, discover which ornamental plants and fragrant flowers are harmful for dogs by visiting ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline.
References:
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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