Onion and garlic toxicity in dogs is fairly uncommon; however, symptoms can be severe so it’s important to be aware of the risks. Most dogs recover well without any long-term problems from onion and garlic toxicity.
Contact a vet straight away if your dog has eaten onions or garlic, no matter the quantity. Your vet will determine if any further treatment is necessary, depending on how much was eaten and what size your dog is. Any age of dog can develop poisoning. The most common symptoms are due to irritation of the mouth and tummy.
Hey there fellow pet parents! Today I’m diving into a super important topic that many of us wonder about when cooking or sharing food with our furry friends. Can dogs have onions and garlic? The short answer is a big fat NO – but let’s explore why these common kitchen ingredients are dangerous for our canine companions.
The Dangerous Truth About Onions and Garlic for Dogs
As a pet owner myself, I’ve always been careful about what I feed my pup. You probably know chocolate is bad for dogs, but many people don’t realize that onions and garlic can be just as harmful!
Onions and garlic belong to the Allium family of plants, which also includes chives, shallots, and leeks. This whole food family is toxic to dogs and cats. What makes this particularly tricky is that these foods can be toxic in any form – fresh, cooked, dried, or powdered – they’re all potentially harmful to your pet.
Why Are Onions and Garlic Toxic to Dogs?
The toxic component in onions and garlic is something called N-propyl disulfide and other sulfur-containing oxidants (SCOs). These compounds damage your dog’s red blood cells causing them to rupture. When this happens the body’s immune system sees these damaged cells as “foreign invaders” and starts attacking them.
This process leads to a condition called hemolytic anemia, where your dog’s body can’t carry enough oxygen to their organs and tissues. Pretty scary stuff!
How Much Onion or Garlic is Dangerous?
You might be wondering if a tiny bit is okay. After all, sometimes these ingredients sneak into foods without us realizing it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Even small amounts can be toxic to dogs
- Dried forms are more concentrated, making them even more dangerous
- Garlic is approximately 5 times more potent than onions
- The toxicity can vary depending on your dog’s size, breed, and individual sensitivity
- Cats are actually more sensitive than dogs (but both should avoid these foods!)
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog ANY amount of onions or garlic. While some larger dogs might tolerate a very small amount without showing symptoms, why take the risk when it comes to your furry friend’s health?
Common Sources of Onion and Garlic That Dog Owners Miss
Onions and garlic don’t just appear in obvious forms! Watch out for these sneaky sources:
- Broths and soups
- Baby food
- Pre-made sauces and gravies
- Seasoning mixes
- Pizza toppings
- Leftovers from your plate
- Many processed foods
Always check ingredient lists carefully before sharing any human food with your pup I once almost gave my dog some baby food as a treat, not realizing it contained onion powder!
Symptoms of Onion and Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has eaten something containing onions or garlic you should be on the lookout for these symptoms
Early symptoms (may appear within 24 hours):
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
Later symptoms (may take 1-7 days to appear):
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Panting or trouble breathing
- Blood in urine (red or brown colored urine)
It’s important to note that symptoms don’t always show up right away. In fact, they can be delayed for up to a week after ingestion, which makes it harder to connect the symptoms to the cause.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Onions or Garlic
If you catch your dog in the act of eating onions or garlic, or you realize they’ve consumed something containing these ingredients, here’s what to do:
- Contact your vet immediately – Don’t wait for symptoms to appear
- Don’t induce vomiting unless directed by your vet – DIY methods can be dangerous
- Note the amount and form they consumed – This helps your vet assess the risk
- Watch for symptoms – Even if your dog seems fine at first
- Be honest with your vet – They need all the information to treat your pet properly
If the ingestion happened within the last 1-2 hours, your vet might induce vomiting to remove as much of the toxins as possible. After this window, the food has likely moved into the intestines.
Treatment for Onion and Garlic Toxicity
If your dog is showing symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning, treatment may include:
- Induced vomiting (if recent ingestion)
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- IV fluid therapy for hydration and support
- Oxygen supplementation
- Blood transfusions in severe cases
- Monitoring and supportive care
With prompt treatment, most dogs recover well from onion and garlic toxicity. However, severe cases can be life-threatening, which is why prevention is so important.
Common Myths About Garlic and Dogs
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about garlic and dogs. Let’s bust some myths:
Myth #1: Small amounts of garlic are safe for dogs
Truth: While some larger breeds might not show symptoms from tiny amounts, there’s no safe dose established, and individual sensitivity varies greatly.
Myth #2: Garlic can be used as a natural flea remedy
Truth: Despite claims online, there’s no scientific evidence that garlic effectively treats fleas in dogs. In fact, giving your dog garlic for this purpose could cause poisoning.
Myth #3: Cooked garlic and onions are safe
Truth: Cooking does not destroy the toxic compounds. Cooked, raw, powdered – all forms are potentially harmful.
Myth #4: Store-bought dog food with garlic is fine
Truth: Some commercial dog foods contain very small amounts of garlic. These are typically in quantities deemed too small to cause harm, but if you’re concerned, choose products without any garlic ingredients.
Safe Alternatives for Flavoring Your Dog’s Food
If you’re looking to add some flavor to your dog’s meals, try these safe alternatives instead of onions and garlic:
- Plain, cooked pumpkin
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Small amounts of plain, cooked chicken
- Pet-safe herbs like parsley or basil (in moderation)
- Commercial dog food toppers designed specifically for dogs
Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Real-Life Scenarios: Accidental Exposure
Let’s talk about some common scenarios where dogs might accidentally consume onions or garlic:
Scenario 1: The Pizza Thief
Your dog snatches a slice of pizza topped with onions from the coffee table. In this case, call your vet right away. The amount of onions might be small, but it’s better to be safe.
Scenario 2: Holiday Dinner Sharing
During a holiday meal, a well-meaning relative slips your dog some stuffing or gravy containing onions and garlic. This is actually a common cause of emergency vet visits during holidays! Inform your guests about what’s not safe for your pet.
Scenario 3: The Garbage Raider
Your dog gets into the trash and eats leftover stir-fry with lots of garlic. This could potentially cause serious poisoning and requires immediate veterinary attention.
The Rising Trend of “Natural” Pet Remedies
There’s been a concerning trend of pet owners using garlic as a “natural” remedy for various issues in dogs. I’ve seen this a lot on social media and pet forums. Please remember that natural doesn’t always mean safe! Always consult with your veterinarian before trying any home remedies for your pet.
Prevention is Better Than Treatment
Here are some practical tips to prevent onion and garlic poisoning:
- Keep onions, garlic, and related foods out of reach
- Secure your trash cans
- Inform family members and guests about foods that are toxic to your dog
- Be careful with food prep areas – dropped pieces can be quickly gobbled up
- Read all ingredient labels carefully
- Consider keeping a pet-safe food list on your refrigerator
The Bottom Line
The answer to “can dogs have onions and garlic?” is clearly NO. These foods are toxic to dogs in all forms, and while the occasional tiny accidental exposure might not cause obvious symptoms in a large dog, there’s always a risk. Why gamble with your furry friend’s health?
Have you ever had a scare with your dog eating something they shouldn’t? Share your experience in the comments below, and let’s help each other keep our fur babies safe and healthy!
Stay pawsome, pet parents!
Disclaimer: While I’ve researched this topic thoroughly, I’m not a veterinarian. Always consult with your vet for medical advice concerning your pet’s specific situation.
How much onion and garlic causes toxicity in dogs?
It varies between every dog and the exact amount is not known. Some studies have shown that for garlic, ingestion of over 15-30 g/kg of body weight can cause anaemia in dogs. And for onions, ingestion of over 0.5% of body weight can lead to signs of toxicity. These are estimates and smaller amounts can cause severe problems in some dogs.
Call us now if your dog has eaten onions, garlic, or anything else that may be poisonous. Our Joii vets can help you with the next steps. We are available 24 hours a day.
Vet treatment for onion and garlic toxicity in dogs
If caught early, usually within 2-3 hours, your vet will most likely give your dog an injection to make them vomit. This helps to remove as much of the toxin as possible. Further treatments depend on the severity of the signs and may include:
- Hospitalisation for fluids and monitoring
- Anti-sickness medication
- Tummy protectants
- Activated charcoal to prevent absorption of the toxin in the tummy
- Blood transfusion and oxygen therapy if severe anaemia is present
Garlic and Onion toxicity in dogs. What to expect and do if your dog eats garlic or onions
FAQ
Can dogs eat garlic & onions?
Don’t overlook the ingredients we use to make dishes more flavorful. “Onions and garlic can cause severe GI distress in dogs and red blood cell damage and anemia in cats,” said Dr. Wendy Hauser, the founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting and a special adviser to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
How long if a dog eats garlic & onion?
If your dog has consumed garlic and onion in unsuitable quantities – for several days or in an excessive amount over a shorter period of time – you should know that symptoms of poisoning do not manifest immediately, but approximately 5 to 6 days after. The symptoms of poisoning in dogs will appear gradually and encompass the following:
Can onions & garlic cause seizures in dogs?
Very rarely, onion and garlic poisoning can cause seizures. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms or whether you have seen your dog eating onions, leeks or garlic. Urine and blood tests might also be carried out.
Can dogs eat a little onion and garlic?
Dogs should not eat onions or garlic because these foods contain compounds that are toxic to them, specifically thiosulfate. Both onions and garlic can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to a condition known as hemolytic anemia.
What happens if a dog eats a bit of onion?
Onions contain compounds that can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs, leading to weakness, vomiting, and lethargy. Symptoms may appear within a few days. Immediate veterinary care is crucial. Treatment includes inducing vomiting if recent ingestion, activated charcoal, and supportive care like IV fluids.
What happens if my dog has eaten garlic?
Symptoms of anaemia include trouble breathing and lethargy (low energy). These symptoms may occur 1-5 days after eating the onion, garlic or leek.
Can dogs eat meat that was cooked with onions?
No! Onions, whether cooked or raw, are toxic to dogs.