Every day, I read all kinds of posts on the Internet about dog nutrition. Among those posts, I sometimes find true fallacies about feeding our dogs, which I will gradually unravel from hereIt's essential that erroneous myths stop gaining ground and that accurate information is shared responsibly. However, this isn't easy.
One of the most widespread false myths is the supposed absolute toxicity of onions in dog food. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at this topic, reviewing how much is truly dangerous, the symptoms of poisoning, and the reality behind this popular belief. To better understand the context, it's essential to know the foods prohibited for dogs.
Is onion really dangerous for dogs?
When talking about onions in a dog's diet, it is crucial to differentiate between a safe amount and a dangerous amount. Onion poisoning is due to the presence of thiosulfates y N-propyl disulfide, compounds that can affect the integrity of the dog's red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemiaHowever, for this to happen, the dog must consume a considerable amount of onion.
It is estimated that poisoning can occur if the dog ingests more than 0,5% of your body weight in onion. This means that a 30 kg dog would have to consume at least 150 grams of onion, which is quite a high amount to pose an immediate risk. For more information on the impact of certain foods on your dog's health, you can consult our dog feeding guide.
Symptoms of onion poisoning in dogs
While onion poisoning is not common in dogs that have only consumed small amounts, it is important to know the symptoms that could indicate a problem:
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Initial signs of stomach upset after eating onions.
- Fatigue and lethargy: Due to the decreased ability of the body to transport oxygen.
- Pale gums: Indicative of possible anemia.
- Dark colored urine: It may indicate the rupture of red blood cells.
- Acceleration of heart rate and breathing: Signs that the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
What should I do if my dog has eaten onion?
If you notice symptoms of poisoning and suspect your dog has consumed a dangerous amount of onion, it is essential to act quickly:
- Contact your vet: Provides full details on the amount and type of onion ingested.
- Do not induce vomiting without professional advice: In some cases, doing so could be counterproductive.
- If ingestion was recent: The veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to prevent the body from absorbing more toxins.
- In severe cases: The dog may need oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, or even a blood transfusion.
Prevention: How to avoid the risk of poisoning?
To avoid any risks associated with onion consumption in dogs, it is advisable to follow these guidelines:
- Keep onions out of reach: Prevent your dog from accessing raw or cooked onions without supervision.
- Read product labels: Many sauces and processed foods contain onion in different forms.
- Clarify the information to family and friends: It's important that everyone who lives with your dog knows not to offer him onions. It's also wise to know toxic foods for dogs.
- Consult with your veterinarian: If you have any concerns about the safety of certain foods in your dog's diet, it's best to seek professional advice.
It's important to understand the risks associated with excessive onion consumption in dogs. It's also key to debunk certain unfounded fears. A dog won't be poisoned by ingesting small amounts of onions occasionally, as might occur if he or she consumes onions. leftover food with traces of cooked onionAs with many other nutritional issues, the key is in the moderation and ensuring that our dog's diet is balanced and healthy.
