Onions, shallots, and chives are staples in savory dishes all over the nation.
The anemia that onion toxicity causes can prove fatal in dogs if not treated promptly, so seek out veterinary medical treatment at the first sign of illness. Other than making one get teary-eyed while chopping, onions are a safe vegetable for most people to consume. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our dogs.
There seems to be some breeds of dog that are more sensitive to the symptom of anemia than others. Yes, even garlic, a common pantry staple in American kitchens is considered to be toxic to dogs. Thcan be is alarming, considering that garlic, which is a fewtimes used in ‘natural’ over-the-counter flea treatments, is actually the most toxic member of the allium family.
Why are Onions Toxic to Dogs?
All plants in the allium family, including onions contain a chemical compound called N-propyl disulfide and this compound is what makes these vegetables toxic to dogs. It specifically impacts on your dog’s red blood cells.
The damage N-propyl disulfide causes is actually two-fold. First, it attaches to the oxygen molecules in your dog’s circulatory system, thus hindering the ability of your dog’s red blood cells to bind the oxygen for transport. Depending on the severity of your dog’s anemia they may require hospitalization, fluid therapy through an intravenous catheter, and, if severe enough, a blood transfusion. The immune system, only trying to do what it was intended to do, starts to destroy your dog’s red blood cells using a process called hemolysis. This, in turn, causes a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia.
All members of the allium family of root vegetables, which includes onions, scallions, leeks, chives, shallots, and garlic are toxic to dogs.
All parts of an onion plant contain the compound N-propyl disulfide, so the whole onion is toxic to dogs. This includes the flesh, leaves, juice, and powders. Onion powder will be especially nefarious as it’s used a lot in various recipes, prepared foods, and even in commercial broths and it is essentially onion concentrate.
How Much Onion Is Toxic For Dogs?
Surprisingly, your dog does not need to consume an exorbitant amount of onion to reach toxic levels. Eating even just half a percent of their body weight in onion can be toxic. This especially problematic if your dog happens to be of the ‘teacup’ variety, being particularly small in size.
Your dog doesn’t need to eat a toxic amount all in one sitting, either. N-propyl disulfide can build up in your dog’s system over time, so an onion here and some garlic there can really add up.
The table below acts as an useful indicator for how much onion could result in toxicity for your dog. This, however, only a guide and, even if your dog consumes less than this, there is a possibility they could still suffer from the effects of ingesting the onion. If you are in doubt, it is best to consult with your vet.
| Weight of Dog | Qty of Onion to Cause Toxicity |
| 20lb | 40g |
| 45lb | 100g |
| 50lb | 220g |
Symptoms of Onion Toxicity
If your dog gets into onion (or any other allium vegetable) and becomes anemic from it’s effects, you will start to see telltale signs of this condition.
+ Clinical signs of onion toxicity can include any of the following:
- lethargy
- weakness
- decreased appetite
- pale gums
- fainting
- uncoordinated gait
- red-tinged urine
- vomiting
- fast heart rate
- panting
If you see any of these signs, take your dog to a vet immediately.
Of course, onion can also cause a variety of gastrointestinal signs as well. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If your dog gets into onions, or any other member of the allium family, you may see symptoms immediately. Unfortunately, the more severe symptoms that are indicative of anemia may not arise for a few days.
What Parts of the Onion are Toxic to Dogs? There is also some research to show that certain breeds with a specific hereditary condition can be more sensitive to anemia and, thus, onion toxicity. Several breeds prone to this hereditary condition are of Japanese descent, including the Akita, Shiba inu, and Japanese chin.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Onion
If you suspect your dog has eaten onion, first try to determine the amount eaten. If you think it falls around or above the amounts indicated in the table above or you aren’t sure of the quantity you should call your veterinarian immediately. If it’s after hours, try to reach a 24-hour emergency vet in your area or call the ASPCA poison control hotline.
Treatment of Onion Toxicity in Dogs
Upon arrival to a veterinary hospital, and depending on when your dog ate the onions, your vet may give administer a medication to induce vomiting. Once your pet has vomited up all the onion in the stomach, your vet will give them a medication to stop the vomiting and then some activated charcoal to bind and neutralize any remaining onion matter in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
They will also run some blood work to check your dog’s red blood cell counts as well as their organ function. The second thing this molecule does is trick your dog’s immune system into believing that their own red blood cells are foreign invaders. Whether your prefer your onions roasted, raw, or caramelized, they can brwithing an array of flavors to your cooking.
Safe Vegetable Alternatives
Not all vegetables are unsafe for dogs to eat. There are lots of healthy alternatives to onion and other allium root vegetables. Green beans, carrots and cucumbers, are just a few examples of safe vegetables for your best friend to snack on. Of course, as with any new food, speak to your veterinarian before you share your plate together with your pooch.
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