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Onion rings are a staple in some restaurants and can also be made at home! If you love onion rings, these are a great side for your meal. If you have a dog, he may also want a bite or more of those great onion rings you’re eating. But are onion rings safe for dogs?
Has your dog eaten onion rings? Are you worried the onion rings 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 like this.
We’ve gathered information about onion rings and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Onion Rings?
Onion rings are a side dish in the US that many people enjoy. The onion rings are made from onions that have been cross-cut, dipped in batter, and then fried. The result is a scrumptious creation that’s not hard to enjoy!
But what happens if a dog eats onion rings?
Onion Rings & Dogs
Unfortunately, onion rings are toxic to dogs. All onions belong to the Allium family of plants, including all types of onions, leeks, and chives. Onions and the other plants in this family contain organosulfur compounds that create the flavor and smell of onions. And it’s these compounds that can make a dog very sick. The toxic dose of onions is 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Dogs that eat onions can develop a condition called hemolytic anemia. It can take up to several days before symptoms are apparent. However, once a dog has eaten onions, he will experience gastrointestinal issues fairly soon afterward.
In addition, onion rings that have been fried also contain high levels of fat. When a dog eats too much fat, he could develop a painful and potentially deadly condition called pancreatitis.
If your dog has eaten only one or two onion rings, chances are he will be OK. However, it’s important to watch for any symptoms that may develop. And if you’re worried, call the vet immediately and tell them what’s happened.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Onion Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten onion rings:
- Breath smells like onions
- Excessive salivation
- Irritation of the mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Painting
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Bluish gums
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Onion Ring Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may induce vomiting or use activated charcoal. These work to decontaminate your dog’s system. After this, the vet will also check your dog for any signs of anemia and treat this accordingly. In some cases, your fur baby may require an IV for fluids and to administer medications.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, he may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs who have mild exposure to onion rings. Severe poisoning can lead to death. So, it’s imperative to get your dog treatment ASAP after he’s eaten onion rings.
Finally, the best way to keep your dog from getting sick is to keep all onions out of his reach. Prevention is always the best medicine.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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