March is Pet Poison Prevention Month
Onions are Toxic to Your Pets
Onions are very toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic ingredient in onions is called thiosulphate. It actually takes a couple of days, after ingesting the onions, to show signs and symptoms. All types of onions including raw, cooked or dehydrated are toxic.
Signs/Symptoms:
- Haemolytic Anemia (this causes the pet's red blood cells to burst while circulating in the body)
- Labored Breathing
- Liver Damage
- Vomit/Diarrhea
- Discolored Urine
- Pale Mucous Membranes
- Elevated RR & HR
Treatment:
- Evac to your vet immediately if you suspect Onion Toxicity
- The vet will induce vomiting by giving activated charcoal to decontaminate
- The vet may perform a daily blood smear test to evaluate the level of anemia
- A blood transfusion may be necessary if severe anemia is present
- IV Dextrose (sugar) if needed
Cats are more susceptible to Onion Toxicity
Safety 1st: When cooking with onions, it is best to make sure your pets are safely away from the kitchen counter. Cats love to jump on counters and see what you are up to. Never walk away and leave the onion(s) on the counter....cats and dogs are curious creatures, especially if it means food.
Teri Ann Tate is a Pet Care Professional and an Equine and Pet First Aid Instructor. She has been teaching pet parents, as well as pet professionals, for years on what to do in case of a pet emergency. Be prepared for a pet emergency by taking one of her classes that she teaches in AZ. She also travels to Southern California to teach her classes, as well as speaking engagements.
For more information on Equine First Aid classes, go to:
For more information on Pet CPR and First Aid Classes, go to:
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