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Onions are a favorite vegetable for many people. They’re used on everything from hamburgers, in spaghetti sauce, and so much more! But what happens if a dog eats onions? Can onions make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten onions? Are you worried the onions will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something he maybe shouldn’t.
We’ve put together information about onions and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Onions?
Onions are root vegetables that are in the family Allium. This is a family of veggies that includes shallots, garlic, and more. Onions come in many varieties, with each one slightly different from the others.
Onions are used to flavor dishes all around the world. They can be included in savory dishes, enjoyed raw or pickled, and more. These are versatile veggies!
Onions can be healthy for humans, but what happens if a dog eats onions? Can onions make a dog sick?
Onions & Dogs
Unfortunately, onions are toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are toxic. In addition, dried onions are also toxic. What’s more, these vegetables are toxic whether a dog eats them alone or the onions are included in a dish.
These veggies contain a substance called N-propyl disulfide. When the dog ingests onion, this substance binds to oxygen molecules in the dog’s red blood cells. The body then sees these cells as foreign invaders, and the immune system attacks them.
When this happens, the dog’s blood is not able to carry oxygen to organs and tissues. Lack of oxygen may cause the dog to become weak, pant, and more. Depending on the amount of onion eaten, these symptoms can even lead to death.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Onion Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats some onion:
- Vomiting
- Anemia
- Blood in the urine (urine has a brown or red color)
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Panting
- Rapid heart rate
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Let the vet know how much onion your dog has eaten and about what time this happened. And if the onion was included in a dish, then be sure to write down the other ingredients if you know them. It’s possible some of these may also be toxic to the dog (such as garlic).
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment. And in the future, remember to keep onions and other foods out of your dog’s reach!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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