Can they eat it? / Chili and hot peppers
Can dogs and cats eat chili and hot peppers?
Dogs
CarefulCats
CarefulNo. Not toxic, but capsaicin burns the mouth and gut.
Jalapeño, habanero, hot sauce and spicy food cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep spicy leftovers out of reach.
What to watch for
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea.
If they ate it
Offer water, skip the next meal, and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Careful for dogs means: fine in a small amount, prepared as described, and not for every pet; the details say when to skip it.
General information from veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, call your vet or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435. Charges may apply.