Read time: 3 mins
03 May 2024
No, dogs should not eat onions or foods containing onions.
Whether raw or cooked, dogs should not eat onions.
Yes, onions are bad for dogs.
While onions may add flavour to our meals, they contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs. These compounds, namely thiosulphate, can cause a condition called haemolytic anaemia in dogs, which can result in serious health issues.
Even small amounts of onions can wreak havoc on a dog's red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even more severe complications if left untreated.
No, dogs should not eat onion powder.
Whether fresh or powdered, onions remain off-limits for our pooches. Onion powder, often used as a seasoning in various dishes and processed foods, contains the same harmful compounds as fresh onions and should be avoided at all costs.
No, dogs should not eat spring onions.
Also known as scallions or green onions, spring onions belong to the same family as onions and share similar toxic properties. As such, they should not be included in your pup's diet, as they can still pose a risk of poisoning.
No, dogs should not eat onion rings.
Onions, in any form, can be harmful to dogs. Besides the onions themselves, the batter used to make onion rings can also pose risks. Onion rings are typically coated in a batter made from ingredients like flour, eggs, and sometimes even beer.
The batter is typically fried in oil, adding extra fat and calories to an already unhealthy snack. Too much fat in a dog's diet can lead to obesity and related health issues over time.
While these ingredients may be harmless to humans, they can be problematic for dogs.
If your pup manages to sneak a bite of onions, it's essential to be on the lookout for any signs of onion poisoning.
Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, and dark urine. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.
If your dog eats onions, it's essential to take quick action to minimise the potential harm caused by the toxic compounds in the onions. Here's what you should do:
Stay calm and focused so you can take the appropriate steps to help your dog.
Try to determine how much onion your dog has consumed and whether it was raw, cooked, or in powdered form. This information will be helpful for your vet to assess the severity of the situation.
Immediately contact your vet for guidance. Provide them with details about your dog's size, weight, the amount and type of onions ingested, and any symptoms your dog may be experiencing.
Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of onion poisoning, such as weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, pale gums, rapid breathing, or dark urine. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your vet immediately.
Based on the information you provide, your vet will advise you on the next steps to take.
Take measures to prevent your dog from accessing onions in the future. Keep onions and onion-containing foods securely stored out of your dog's reach to avoid any further incidents.
