Ingesting concentrated forms of capsaicin, like capsaicin supplements or high-strength hot sauces, can be particularly harmful. Therefore, it's always best to keep such items out of reach of pets. If you believe your dog has ingested a significant amount of capsaicin, contact your vet immediately.
The efficacy of twice daily topical application of capsaicin ({{0}}.025 percent ) for the management of pruritus in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) was evaluated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Twelve dogs with AD were randomly assigned to either 0.025 percent capsaicin or vehicle lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks. After a 4-week wash-out period, treatments were switched. Significant improvement was reported by owners (P=0.0006), but not by investigators. Owners noted temporary worsening of pruritus after the first week of capsaicin therapy. Overall capsaicin was well tolerated. Substance P (SP) concentrations in the skin did not correlate with the severity of the pruritus and did not change significantly over time and between treatments. Lesional skin had less SP than nonlesional skin (P=0.03). These observations suggest that topical capsaicin should be further evaluated as an adjunctive antipruritic agent in dogs with AD.
However, it's important to note that capsaicin can cause skin irritation, as well as discomfort if it gets into the eyes, nose, or mouth of your pet. Therefore, any use of capsaicin-based products should be done cautiously and under the guidance of a veterinarian. If a pet accidentally gets capsaicin in its eyes or consumes too much, it can cause significant discomfort and potential health issues.
References:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12074702/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-spicy-food
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/news-blogs/a-vets-life/alert-fda-warns-popular-topical-pain-medication-toxic-pets
