Reasons Why Dogs Should Avoid Onions: A Quick Guide

Today's article invites us to explore the question: Why can't dogs eat onions?

Poisonous Alliums

It's not just onions that are harmful to dogs; scallions, chives, garlic, and leeks all pose a toxic threat.

The debate over garlic can wait for another day, as I plan to compile previous articles on the topic. Today, let's focus on the toxicity of onions.

So, how do these alliums harm our furry friends? Allium plants contain a compound called Npropyl disulfide, which can damage a dog's red blood cells.

Firstly, this compound binds to the oxygen molecules in a dog's oxygen circulation system, thereby impairing the red blood cells' ability to transport oxygen.

The reason Npropyl disulfide is so toxic to dogs lies in its ability to cause a double whammy of harm.

As mentioned earlier, the first harm is the impairment of red blood cells' oxygen transport. But what about the second attack?

This compound is quite remarkable; it can also trick a dog's immune system into thinking that the dog's own red blood cells are invaders. When the immune system responds, it destroys its own red blood cells through a process called hemolysis, leading to a condition known as hemolytic anemia.

Surprisingly, this seemingly innocent onion is a hidden danger!

Now, here's a question: If my dog ate onions and nothing happened, what gives?

Each dog is unique, with varying constitutions, weights, sizes, and breeds, which all contribute to their differing reactions to onion toxicity. Indeed, breed is a crucial factor in onion poisoning.

As a general rule, smaller dogs with lighter weights are more susceptible to onion toxicity. There are also international data comparing onion toxicity with weight.

Dogs weighing less than 20 pounds can be poisoned by just 40 grams of onions.

Dogs weighing less than 45 pounds can be poisoned by 100 grams of onions.

Dogs weighing less than 50 pounds can be poisoned by 220 grams of onions.

The toxicity mentioned above is severe enough to require hospitalization. If your dog has accidentally ingested a small amount of onions, it may exhibit initial symptoms such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, coma, pale gums, hematuria, unsteady gait, vomiting, rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, and diarrhea. This is the golden window for rescue; please take your dog to the hospital immediately.

Some dog breeds are more sensitive to anemia and, as a result, are more prone to onion poisoning. For instance, if other breeds might be poisoned by 40 grams of onions, these breeds could be poisoned by just 10 grams. The most common examples are Japanese dog breeds, such as Akita, Shiba Inu, Japanese Spaniel, and Tosa.

What's more, onion toxicity is a chronic process that may not be immediately apparent to owners. Therefore, if symptoms arise, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Especially when it comes to hemolytic anemia, even if you notice your dog has eaten onions and take them to the vet, the symptoms of anemia may not appear immediately. So, there's no room for complacency when it comes to onion ingestion. Even if no severe poisoning symptoms are evident, it's essential to have a professional blood test. And remember, if you're not experienced, do not attempt to induce vomiting on your own.