Onions and Dogs - Are Onions Bad for Dogs

There are many foods that humans have, which are harmful to dogs. Onions are one of them. Onions and dogs do not make a good combination, as feeding a dog with onions can be toxic to the dog, making it seriously ill. Hence, it is the owner's responsibility to keep their pets away from foods containing onions. You may assume that only raw onions are bad for a dog's health, so it is very easy to prevent dogs from eating them. But what about cooked onions? Are cooked onions bad for dogs too? The answer is yes. Onions in any form, whether raw, cooked, or in a powdered form (mixed in any food) are harmful to dogs. More on food allergies in dogs.

Are Onions Poisonous to Dogs?

Onions are poisonous to dogs. They contain a substance called thiosulfate, which can be harmful for dogs, as dogs do not have the enzyme which is necessary to digest this substance. However, there won't be visible side effects if your dog consumes a small amount of onions, as in burgers, pizzas, or even table scraps fed by loving owners. But having small quantities frequently will definitely affect your dog's health, and can also prove to be fatal. Onions also contain organosulfur compound which causes toxicosis (a condition caused by poisoning), and is easily absorbed by the digestive tract of the dog. More on symptoms of dog poisoning.

Are Onions Toxic to Dogs?

Onions are toxic to dogs, and can prove to be fatal. They can affect the dog's health under two circumstances.

• If a large quantity of onions (600 - 800 grams) is consumed in a single meal, it would lead to indigestion, causing the dog to fall seriously ill. The symptoms can be immediate in such a case.
• Second is when the dog consumes small quantities of onions (150 grams for several days) on a regular basis. The symptoms might occur in 24 hours, and lead to poisoning in a few days.

The problems that can occur in dogs due to onion ingestion are as follows.

• Liver damage
• Allergic reactions (read more about dog allergies)
• Asthmatic attacks
• Weakness
• Discolored urine
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Anemia
• Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). More on skin allergy in dogs.

Onions and Dogs - Heinz Body Anemia

One of the biggest problems arising from onion toxicity is Heinz body anemia in dogs. Also known as Hemolytic anemia, it is caused by the destruction of the red blood cells in the body, which results in a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body, thereby leading to anemia. This anemia is called Heinz body anemia because of the abnormality of the red cells, which can be seen with the help of a microscope. The symptoms of Heinz body anemia depend on the amount of onions consumed, the size of the dog, and the period for which the onions have been consumed.

Symptoms of Heinz Body Anemia in Dogs

• The mucous membranes (gums) will seem to be pale in the case of moderate or severe anemia.
• If many red blood cells (RBCs) have been destroyed, the urine will appear reddish or brownish due to hemoglobin in the urine, and the tissues might become jaundiced.
• Lack of oxygen reaching the tissues might cause rapid heart rate, rapid respiratory rate, depression and weakness.
• There might also be diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite in dogs.

The blood test of the dog conducted by the veterinarian will show some different characteristics in case of Heinz body anemia.

Onions and Dogs - Treatment Available

It is necessary to consult a veterinarian in case of any symptom occurring due to ingestion of onions. The treatment will be provided in the following ways.

• Routine/Regular Treatment: Vomiting is induced, gastric lavage (stomach is flushed out) is carried out, and activated charcoal (used for the treatment of poisoning and allergic reactions) is used. In case of skin infection, the dog will be bathed and dried.
• Other Treatment: Fluids are provided in the bloodstream through the vein to maintain body hydration. There will be treatment for liver damage, or liver failure in dogs. There might also be blood transfusions in some cases.

You can also read more on:

• Dog Foods
• Dog Care
• Dog Health

Now you know all about onions and dogs, and these were the answers to the question are onions bad for dogs. Always be careful about what you feed your dog. Do not buy products containing onion powder, and avoid giving table scraps to your dogs. Dogs are very friendly and loyal creatures. Thus, its our responsibility to look after them. As Corey Ford said, "Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend."