Jalapenos are a Spicy addition to any Food. Many humans love them. What about our canine friends? It is no secret that our dogs love to eat a wide variety of human foods – and they’ll try anything at least once—even jalapenos! So, if you’re wondering “what should you do if your dog ate a jalapeno” – read on to learn the answer.

Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?

Yes, dogs can eat jalapenos. However, they should only be given in small amounts. A large amount of jalapeno can upset your dog’s stomach or hurt its mouth. This may even result in vomiting and diarrhea. If it does, don’t worry—these are both very normal side effects of eating something spicy.

Are Jalapenos Good for Dogs? 

The capsaicin found in chilies is good for humans but is not something dogs need to eat. Jalapenos won’t harm dogs, but that does not mean it is good for them.

Are Jalapenos Bad for Dogs?

Spicy meals are not “toxic” to dogs. Unless your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to spicy foods, there won’t be a negative impact on eating these kinds of food. The issue is more with gastrointestinal problems from consuming too much.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats a Jalapeno by Accident?

If you suspect your dog ate a jalapeno, let your dog rest for an hour or two. This will give its body time to digest the spicy food and for you to monitor any signs of illness.

Make sure you give the dog plenty of water! Spicy food consumption will result in extreme thirst. Also, be mindful of any signs of discomfort your dog may display.

Don’t feed your dog for a few hours after he ate jalapenos. Be sure to monitor him for signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. Watch his droppings to make sure that they are normal and firm—not runny.

Look for drooling and excessive panting. It can mean the dog is experiencing a burning sensation in the mouth and/or stomach. It may have a difficult time swallowing. If the jalapeno was too spicy, it might be trying to get rid of the taste.

Does your dog have a swollen tongue or face? This can be another indication that your dog’s mouth is on fire. 

Are his gums and tongue bright red or purple? The color change may be another sign that your dog has trouble breathing. Monitor this closely and go to a vet if the issue worsens or does not resolve itself.

Eating Raw Jalapenos vs. Cooked Jalapenos

If your dog ate a raw jalapeno, signs of irritation might appear quickly. However, if your dog ate a cooked jalapeno, there will be less potential for discomfort because cooking the pepper neutralizes the spiciness by as much as 50%.

Restaurant Food with Jalapenos

Some restaurants prepare their Mexican food with jalapenos. So they may be included in the salsa, guacamole, and refried beans you purchase. Your dog may decide that it wants to sample your fajitas or nachos when you give it a chance.

If you let your dog sample some restaurant food made with jalapenos, do so with caution. Food that has jalapenos in it, such as Mexican food, will often also have onions and/or garlic for flavor. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.

How Do Dogs Respond to Spiciness in Food?

Response to spicy food goes back to canine ancestors and how they used to hunt for food and run away from danger. Hot pepper is a defense mechanism for many plants. It may make predators think twice about eating it, even if they are hungry enough to try it.

If your dog ate a jalapeno, he will likely develop a runny nose and drool excessively. A dog’s stomach can’t handle intense spicy foods with capsaicin in them.

Do Canines Enjoy Hot Foods?

Among 1700 taste buds, dogs don’t have a taste bud for spicy foods. The closest taste bud to this flavor is bitter. So spicy foods will most likely taste bitter to dogs and not bring much enjoyment.

A dog will avoid food that is spicy on the inside. It may eat a jalapeno out of curiosity. In some cases, individual pups may take a liking to it.

When they go after spicy meat (like tacos), they do so because of the yummy meat—not the spice.

Are Jalapenos Bad for Puppies?

If your puppy eats a jalapeno, it may get diarrhea. This happens because puppies don’t have developed immune systems yet. The hot pepper will affect a puppy more than an adult dog would be affected by it.

Puppies can be more sensitive to spicy foods, especially jalapenos—so there is an even greater risk of stomach upset. Overall, it is best to avoid giving them human food at this time.

Don’t Exercise Your Dog After They Eat Spicy Foods

If your dog ate a jalapeno, it might feel nauseous trying to digest all of that spicy food. Exercising too soon after eating may be hazardous when the dog is tired and has just eaten something spicy. So put the long walk off if you can.

Pups can get dehydrated when they eat spicy foods, so they need to stay hydrated during this time by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Conclusion – What Should You Do If Your Dog Ate A Jalapeno?

If your dog ate a jalapeno, watch out for drooling and excessive panting. Monitor its stool to check it is normal in the coming days after ingestion. If you are concerned about your dog’s reaction, call the vet. This will be especially important if he has swollen face or tongue.