If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661

Onions, Garlic and Chives

When ingested, the Allium species of plants can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can also lead to damage of red blood cells. Members of this species include onions, garlic, chives and leeks.

shallots and garlic

No matter the state of the Allium (cooked, dried, processed or spoiled) the toxicity concern remains. Please note that onion powder, sometimes used in homemade pet diets, is included in this category. While the occasional low dose of these products (found in some pet foods or treats) will not likely cause toxicity, it is extremely important that you limit your pets intake of these foods.

In addition to dogs and cats, birds are also indicated for this toxicity.

Signs and symptoms of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, rapid heart beat, refusal to eat, and oral/esophageal/gastric pain. Signs may not occur until several days after ingestion.

Toxic Consumption: Toxicosis may occur if 0.5% or more of the animal’s body weight is ingested.

Dogs: Allium Toxic Consumption
X-Small
Yorkie, Chihuahua
Small
Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle
Medium
Beagle, Scottish Terrier
Large
Boxer, Cocker Spaniel
X-Large
Retriever, German Shepherd
XX-Large
Great Dane, St. Bernard
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
26 – 40 lbs.
(11.8 – 18.2 kg)
41 – 70 lbs.
(18.6 – 31.8 kg)
71 – 90 lbs.
(32.3 – 40.9 kg)
91 – 110 lbs.
(41.4 – 50 kg)
dog1 dog2 dog3 dog4 dog7 dog6
> 0.075 oz > 0.85 oz > 2 oz > 3.25 oz > 5.5 oz > 7.3 oz
Cats: Allium Toxic Consumption
Most Cats Large Cats
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
cat1 fat cat
> 0.75 oz > 0.85 oz

References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com

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