Can Dogs Eat Onions?
❌ No! Onions are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.
Onions, along with garlic, leeks, and chives, belong to the Allium family and are toxic to dogs. They contain compounds called thiosulfates that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. While cooking onions does reduce some of the toxic compounds, cooked onions are still dangerous and should never be given to dogs. Raw onions are the most toxic, followed by dehydrated and powdered forms which are highly concentrated. Even small amounts consumed regularly can build up and cause toxicity.
Toxicity Information
🩺 Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning
- ●Lethargy and weakness
- ●Pale or yellow gums
- ●Rapid breathing or panting
- ●Vomiting and diarrhea
- ●Loss of appetite
- ●Abdominal pain
- ●Red or brown colored urine
- ●Collapse in severe cases
🚨 What to Do If Your Dog Ate Onions
1. Contact your veterinarian immediately
2. Note the amount and form of onion consumed
3. Watch for delayed symptoms - they may take days to appear
4. Do not induce vomiting without veterinary guidance
5. Your vet may need to run blood tests to check for anemia
6. Treatment may include IV fluids, oxygen therapy, or blood transfusions
🚨 In Case of Emergency
If your dog has consumed something toxic, contact help immediately:
🛡️ Prevention Tips
Keep onions stored securely. Be aware that many prepared foods contain onion powder or dehydrated onions - always check ingredients. Never feed table scraps that may contain onions. Remember that baby food often contains onion powder and should be avoided.