A leading British veterinarian has issued an urgent warning to all pet owners, urging them to avoid feeding their animals a common kitchen ingredient that poses a severe toxic risk.
Dr. Anna Foreman, an in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, has highlighted the extreme danger that onions, along with other allium vegetables like garlic, leeks, and chives, present to both dogs and cats.
Why Are Onions So Dangerous?
The toxicity stems from a compound called N-propyl disulfide, found in all allium species. This substance damages red blood cells in our pets, leading to a devastating condition known as haemolytic anaemia.
Symptoms of onion poisoning are severe and can be fatal if left untreated. Pet owners are advised to watch for:
- Lethargy and profound weakness
- Pale or bluish gums
- Red or brown discoloured urine
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
No Safe Amount
Alarmingly, there is no known safe quantity of onion for pets to consume. All forms are dangerous—whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. Even foods where onion is a minor ingredient, such as gravies, baby food, or takeaways, can contain a concentrated enough amount to cause serious harm.
The toxicity is also cumulative, meaning that small, repeated exposures over time can build up to a critical level, leading to sudden and severe illness.
What To Do In An Emergency
If you suspect your pet has ingested any amount of onion, time is of the essence. Dr. Foreman's advice is clear:
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- Be prepared to inform them about what your pet ate, the approximate quantity, and when it happened.
- Follow their instructions, which may involve inducing vomiting or urgent hospitalisation for supportive care, including intravenous fluids and blood transfusions in severe cases.
This warning serves as a critical reminder to keep all human foods containing onion and garlic securely out of paw's reach and to always stick to a diet approved by your vet.
