- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Fried and battered and doused in salt, onion rings are practically irresistible – not just to you, but to your dog, too. This is one treat, however, that it’s never okay to share with your four-legged friend.
Can My Dog Eat Onion Rings?
No! Whether they’re powdered, diced or fried, onions are toxic to dogs. They, along with other plants in the Allium family including with garlic, leeks, shallots and chives, contain N-propyl disulfide which breaks down the red blood cells in canines, and can lead to anemia or organ failure.
Why Are Onion Rings Toxic To Dogs?
Onions and their cousins in the Allium family (garlic, chives, leeks, shallots, and so on) contain a toxic compound called N-propyl disulfide. In dogs (and cats), this substance damages the red blood cells by attaching itself to the oxygen molecules within them. Once affixed, N-propyl disulfide not only decreases the ability of the red blood cells to carry the oxygen they need, it tricks a dog’s body into believing that they are invaders. The body responds by destroying the red blood cells through hemolysis.
But not having enough healthy red blood cells is a problem. Without them, a dog’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. The result is hemolytic anemia, a condition that leads to fatigue, weakness and other mild to severe symptoms, including death.
How Many Onion Rings Does My Dog Have To Eat Before They Get Sick?
While any amount of onion consumption could lead a dog to feel under the weather, PetMD notes that it’s typically those that eat more than 0.5% of their bodyweight that show signs of onion poisoning. That means as little as a 1/4 cup of onion can make a 20-pound dog sick. While it’s less likely that a a single onion ring will cause serious problems, especially if you have a large dog, if they manage to get a hold of one be sure to watch closely for signs of onion poisoning.
Pet Poison Helpline notes that some Japanese breeds of dog such as Akitas and Shiba Inus seem to be more sensitive to poisoning by Allium plants, so if your dog fits into those breeds, extra precaution is advised. Cats also appear to be more sensitive to onions and other Allium plants, so if the ingestion was a cross-species tag team on your dinner, watch your cat for symptoms, too.
What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning From Onion Rings In Dogs?
Symptoms of onion toxicity can begin quickly after a dog consumes one or more onion rings. They include:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Elevated heart rate
- Pale gums
- Reddish urine
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Decreased appetite
- Fainting
If you note any of these symptoms in your dog after they’ve eaten an onion ring, time is of the essence. To prevent life-threatening complications or even death, get them to the vet immediately. They will do blood work to detect the presence of hemolytic anemia and look for other signs that indicate onion toxicity.
While some dogs may not show symptoms of poisoning after eating a single onion ring, it’s still best to inform your vet or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Thankfully, while onion poisoning can result in death in extreme cases, most of the time whether your dog becomes ill depends on how much they consumed relative to their body weight.
What Is The Treatment For Onion Poisoning In Dogs?
Onion toxicity due to eating onion rings is serious business. Your vet will decide how to best to proceed with your pup based on the symptoms they are presenting and the results of their blood tests. Treatment may include inducing vomiting and, in severe cases, a blood transfusion.
The longer you delay in getting your dog to the vet, the worse their chances of survival will be, especially if they’ve eaten a large quantity of onion rings. In the most serious cases, death is a very real possibility.
What Fried Foods Can I Feed My Dog?
Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to feed your dog fried foods. Fried foods contain tons of fat and too much of it can lead to inflammation of the pancreas and damage to the intestines. Fried foods should never make a regular appearance in your dog’s diet.
That said, if you’d like to give your dog a small piece of whatever fried treat you’re consuming, there are many things that are far safer to feed them than onion rings. One or two french fries, fried zucchini, or fried green beans won’t harm your dog if they are given only once in a blue moon. Don’t make a habit of it, though. They are much healthier when plain and unbreaded, and served boiled or baked.
For More Information
We have a variety of articles on which types of food may or may not be safe for your dog to indulge in. Browse through our directory page with all the “Can My Dog Have” articles here.
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