Why can't dogs eat onions
Onions should never be part of a dog's diet! Whether cooked or raw, the danger is real for dogs. Sometimes a small piece is enough for them to become victims of poisoning. You must identify the symptoms as soon as possible in order to react, because the longer you wait, the more your pet suffers and risks losing his life.
The potential risks of onions for my dog
This food contains sulfur derivatives that are the cause of this very harmful side for your pet. It causes hemolytic anemia, which destroys the red blood cells. If some owners think that cooking it makes it less dangerous, the truth is different. Even if it is prepared or raw, the danger is the same. Whether it is dehydrated or frozen, the risk is also there.
Poisoning occurs as soon as 11 grams of onion per kilo of body weight are ingested. Several symptoms should alert you:
- Your dog is suddenly down, he hardly moves
- His breathing is very heavy
- The heart rate is high (tachycardia)
- The spleen is easy to palpate as its volume is clearly increased
- Urine becomes red
In some cases, your dog may also experience diarrhea or vomiting. Within 24 hours of ingestion, your dog may experience abdominal pain.
What should I do if my dog has ingested onions?
Some dog owners try to intervene when the first symptoms appear. Do not give any medication and do not try to induce vomiting. This could make an already problematic situation worse. The best solution is to contact your veterinarian or a poison control center even if you have any doubts. Additional tests may be necessary to assess the extent of the situation. Urine tests and a blood test can validate the theory of intoxication.
With the right treatment, it only takes a few days for your dog to get back to his old self. An infusion may be necessary if your pet is anemic since the red blood cells are destroyed. A prescription with vitamin E can also be considered.
What can I replace the onion with if I want to give my dog another condiment?
Onions and garlic are not recommended for your dog's diet. However, other condiments have a place of choice, such as olive oil, whose virtues are no longer to be proven, even for humans. A teaspoon in the kibbles gives them a very appetizing side and you also improve the health in general as well as the coat. The latter becomes much silkier as the days go by. Two conditions must be respected: extra-virgin olive oil is preferred and it must be organically grown.
Olives can also be given as a reward to your dog if you first remove the stone. They should not be prepared, filled or made with other ingredients. The more traditional versions are the best. You can rinse them under water to remove any residue.
How do I choose the best diet for my dog?
For me, the easiest way is to trust the recognized professionals of the sector. This gives you the assurance to give your dog the right products while simplifying your life. For example, I recommend Ollie products.
It is a company with an excellent reputation that prepares customized recipes for your dog, 100% fresh and delivered directly to your home.
