It’s not uncommon for dogs to get into food they shouldn’t eat. Chili peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin that gives them their heat and spiciness. Capsaicin can cause stomach upset, pain, and even toxicity if a dog eats a large quantity of chili peppers. So what should you do if you catch your dog eating chili or suspect he got into a batch of spicy food? Here’s a quick guide on recognizing symptoms, inducing vomiting, calling the vet, and preventing chili ingestion in the future.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Ate Chili?
Some signs your dog may have consumed chili include:
- Bad breath or panting
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Pacing, anxiety, or restlessness
- Rubbing his mouth on surfaces or pawing at his face
- Vomiting or retching
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trembling or weakness
If you see any of these symptoms and suspect your dog ate chili, call your vet right away. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome will be for your dog.
Should I Make My Dog Vomit?
If you just caught your dog eating chili peppers or found evidence that he got into a spicy ingredient, inducing vomiting may help. However, do NOT make your dog vomit if:
- More than 2 hours have passed since he ate the chili
- Your dog is having trouble breathing
- He is unable to swallow
- He is showing signs of shock or collapse
If your dog ate the chili recently and you have approval from your vet, give him 3% hydrogen peroxide by mouth. The dosage is 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight. Give it to him up to 3 times spaced 15 minutes apart to trigger vomiting.
Call your vet as soon as vomiting occurs or if he still does not vomit after the 3rd dose. Never induce vomiting at home without getting the OK from your veterinarian first.
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
Get your dog to the vet immediately if he shows any of these emergency symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapsing or loss of consciousness
- Inability to swallow
- Signs of shock like pale gums or weakness
- No vomiting even after giving hydrogen peroxide
Milder chili ingestion symptoms still require a vet visit as well. Call your vet right away or go to an emergency animal hospital for:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Bloody or black stool
- Signs of abdominal pain like whining or stretching
- Excessive drooling or red gums
- Skin reddening or hives
- Lethargy, trembling, or swelling of throat/lips
The vet can induce vomiting if needed, provide IV fluids and medications to manage pain, bring down body temperature if fever is present, and monitor your dog closely for several hours.
How is Chili Toxicity Treated?
Your vet will tailor treatment based on your dog’s symptoms and overall health. Common treatments for chili ingestion include:
- Inducing vomiting if the chili was eaten recently
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antacids or anti-nausea medication
- Sedatives for anxiety or restlessness
- Antibiotics if ulcers, perforation, or sepsis develop
- Topical liquids and ointments for skin irritation
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Hospitalization and monitoring for several days
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs make a full recovery after eating chili. However, it can take 3-5 days for gastrointestinal symptoms to fully resolve. Your vet may prescribe a bland diet, probiotics, and antacids during recovery.
How Can I Prevent Chili Ingestion?
Here are some tips to keep your dog safe from chili peppers:
- Never leave chili unattended on low counters or tables
- Always keep pantry doors closed and garbage cans covered
- Avoid feeding table scraps, especially anything spicy
- Keep chili plants out of reach in outdoor gardens
- Use baby gates to block access to kitchens
- Clean up any spilled chili or containers right away
- Store dry chili powder and flakes in high cabinets
You can also train your dog to avoid certain “forbidden” human foods using positive reinforcement techniques. Teaching him a solid “leave it” command can be very helpful for avoiding food he should not eat. Consider crate training as well so you have a safe place to put him when cooking with chili ingredients.
What Human Foods are Dangerous for Dogs?
In addition to chili peppers, here are some other human foods that can be toxic for dogs:
- Chocolate
- Coffee and caffeine
- Garlic and onions
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones
- Salt and salty foods
- Moldy foods
- Yeast dough
- Avocados
- Tomato leaves/stems
- Raw eggs
- Raw meat and fish
Familiarize yourself with this list of unsafe people foods. Even small amounts can cause toxicity in dogs. If you’re ever unsure about a particular ingredient, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline for advice.
Conclusion
While scary, most cases of dogs eating chili pepper resolve with prompt treatment and monitoring. Limit access to spicy foods in your home and teach your dog which foods are off limits. Call your vet or the poison control hotline right away if ingestion occurs. With vigilance and training, you can keep your furry companion safe from chili’s harmful effects.