My Dog Ate Onions, What Should I Do?
Laura Evans |
April 15, 2024
59,781
Onions are definitely not a dog-safe treat.
Why are onions bad for dogs? How much onion is toxic to dogs? And what to do if your dog eats onions?
Get the details about onion poisoning in dogs, and how to proceed safely and quickly if your dog eats some.
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Can Dogs Eat Onions?
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat onions. Onions contain a toxic principle known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs.
The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in those cells. This reduces the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen and also tricks your dog’s body into thinking that the blood cell is an invader. The red blood cell is destroyed in a process known as hemolysis, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
It’s important to note that this applies to all types of onions, including raw onions, cooked onions, and even onion powder.
What Parts of Onions are Toxic to Dogs?
The toxic compounds in onions are most concentrated in the onion bulb, but they can also be found in the leaves, stems, and juice of the plant, so all parts of the onion plant are toxic to dogs.
Symptoms of Onion Poisoning in Dogs
If a dog ingests onions, they may experience a range of symptoms. These can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Reddish urine
The severity of the symptoms will depend on the amount of onion ingested and the size of the dog. Small dogs are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately if you know or suspect your dog ate onions. Symptoms can start within 24 hours after eating onion, but more commonly take a few days to appear. Waiting until the symptoms start could be too late.
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How Much Onion is Toxic to Dogs?
The amount of onion that is toxic to a dog will depend on the dog’s size and weight. In general, as little as 5 grams of onion per kilogram of body weight can be toxic. This means that a small amount of onion can be dangerous for a small dog. When dogs ingest large amounts of onion, it can be deadly.
Other factors that can make a dog more susceptible to onion poisoning include:
- Japanese breeds (Akita, Shiba Inu)
- Dogs with concurrent diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or anemia
- Dogs on certain medications
How much onion did your dog eat?
Let us know and get personalized help for your dog!
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Onions?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested onions, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to contact your veterinarian or a 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline right away. If it’s been less than two hours since ingestion, they may recommend inducing vomiting to try to remove the onions from your dog’s system, and give activated charcoal to bind any additional toxin. In some cases, they may also recommend hospitalization and treatment to support your dog’s health and prevent further damage.
It’s important to note that inducing vomiting should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or a Vetline, as there may be some cases where it’s not recommended. For example, if your dog has ingested a large amount of onions or has already started showing severe symptoms, inducing vomiting may not be safe or effective.
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⚠️ Remember, with any poisoning, it’s always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better prognosis/outcome if you treat early. Once your cat has already developed clinical signs and is affected by the poison, it makes for a much more expensive veterinary visit!
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