Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Toxicity in Dogs
- Gigi
- Jul 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Keep your Pooch away from onion, garlic, chive and Leek. Onions, garlic, chive and leeks are from a group of plants called alliums, which are all toxic to dogs!
"Onions, garlic, leeks and chives can cause serious medical problems for your dog. Although clinical signs of illness, such as vomiting, can occur soon after your dog eats any of these, the full onset of signs may take several days to appear.
In most cases, consumption causes gastroenteritis or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Irritation of the mouth, drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
The potentially deadly part of Allium damages red blood cell membranes. This makes the red blood cell fragile and causes them to burst. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. When these cells are destroyed, important organs do not get enough oxygen. A low red blood cell count (anemia) results in increased heart rate, elevated respiratory rate and effort, weakness, discolored urine, kidney damage, collapse and even death".
As per the advice of VCA Animal Hospital
Signs
Onion/garlic smell on breath
Lethargy
Pale mucus membranes (due to anemia),
Tachypnea (elevated respiratory rate),
Tachycardia (elevated heart rate),
Vomiting, and a
Reduced appetite.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Treatment
If it’s within four hours of eating onion, garlic or leeks, your vet will probably give your dog an injection to make them vomit. It is important not to attempt this yourself at home.
Your vet may also give your dog activated charcoal to help absorb any remaining toxins in the stomach.
Your dog may also be put on a drip to keep them hydrated and kept in the hospital for observation.
Treatment for any symptoms might also be given, for example, medications to stop vomiting or seizures.
Your dog might also need to have blood tests to check whether they are anaemic.
References
VCA Animal hospital guidance on onion, garlic, leeks and chive toxicity in dogs:
PDSA Advice on onion and garlic poisoning:
Pet Poison helpline - advice in pet safety regarding allium species:
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