Why are Onions Toxic to Dogs?
Onions can cause many issues with your four-legged friend. It contains a toxin that can cause severe complications for dogs. This toxic principle is known as N-propyl disulfide, which causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs. The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in those cells. This reduces the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen and also tricks your dog’s body into thinking that the blood cell is an invader.
You may be wondering what part of onions is toxic to dogs. All parts of the onion plant are toxic to dogs, including the flesh, leaves, juice, and processed powders. It doesn’t matter if the onion is raw or cooked, either. It is crucial to know that onion powder is in a wide range of foods, from soups to baby food. It only takes 100 grams of onion per 20 kilograms of a dog’s weight to cause toxic effects.
Did your dog eat an onion? You must be aware of the symptoms, including:
- Fainting
- Pale gums
- Weakness
- Reddish urine
- Lethargy
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will diagnose your dog’s condition based on their symptoms and blood work. Your vet may also induce vomiting, depending on how recently your dog ate onions.
As you can see, onion toxicity can be fatal to our four-legged friends. The faster you get your dog to the veterinarian, the better you can prevent onion poisoning. Be proactive to ensure that your dog does not eat onions. Keep them out of reach and place trash bins in areas that are not accessible to dogs. Some vegetables are suitable for dogs, which include carrots, green beans, and cucumbers. Always do your research before giving your dog a new type of food!
