Dogs and cats can be harmful to all Allium species and their products1, but only a small number of Allium species are of significant toxicologic concern. Sulfhemoglobin is produced as a result of the exposed beta-93 cysteine residues in hemoglobin being oxidized.
What occurs if my dog consumes Allium?
What a mouthwatering smell—leeks, chives, onions, and garlic frying in a pan. Many culinary wonders are built on this concoction of kitchen herbs. While we enjoy the taste of these traditional seasonings, our pets might become very ill from them. What dog owners and aspiring chefs should know about this formidable quartet is detailed below.
What are these species of herbs?
The Allium family includes all four of the plant species, which have long been used in cooking. Without including ornamental variants, there are about 95 species of leeks, chives, garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions that are native to or farmed in North America. These plants produce highly fragrant underground bulbs called bulbs. Green above-ground shoots are also edible, but they smell less strongly.
Allium cepa (onion), Allium porrum (leek), Allium sativum (garlic), and Allium schoenoprasum (chive) are the domesticated species most frequently linked to canine toxicity, with garlic being the most hazardous.
These herbs and vegetables can poison you in any form. Herbs in any form—dried, powdered, liquid, cooked, or raw—are toxic to dogs. Due to the removal of the water content, products that are dried or powdered, such as dried chopped onions and garlic powder, have a higher concentration of substance per weight. For instance, 8 fresh garlic cloves are equal to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. As a result, there may be a greater chance of poisoning from this kind of exposure. These harmful plants may also be found in human dietary supplements.
What do they do?
In addition to adding flavor to your food, chives, leeks, onions, and garlic can seriously harm your dog’s health. Although your dog may have clinical symptoms of disease, such as vomiting, right away after consuming any of these, the complete onset of symptoms may take several days to manifest.
Consumption typically results in gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the digestive system. There may be oral irritation, drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Red blood cell membranes are damaged by the potentially lethal component of Allium species. The red blood cells become brittle as a result, and they can explode. The body needs red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout it. These cells cannot regenerate, and as a result, vital organs lack oxygen. Low red blood cell counts (anemia) cause rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, fatigue, cloudy urine, renal damage, collapse, and even death. Some breeds, particularly those with Japanese ancestry (Akita, Shiba Inu), may be more poisonous than others.
How do they do it?
These unassuming plants work through a convoluted process. The red blood cells in these plants undergo oxidative hemolysis, which is caused by oxidizing substances. Poisoning happens as oxidant levels in red blood cells rise above the capacity of antioxidant metabolic pathways to “de-toxify the cell.” Direct oxidative damage causes the red blood cell membranes to become thin and burst.
What are the signs of illness?
Depending on how much was eaten, there are different symptoms of poisoning. Common symptoms of digestive distress include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, sadness, and evidence of diminished appetite. Greater consumption may result in red blood cell destruction, which can lead to weakness, an increased heart rate, an increase in breathing rate and exertion, panting, pale gums, or crimson urine. Red blood cell breakdown in dogs might result in kidney injury. Common symptoms of kidney impairment include increased drinking, altered urine patterns, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
How is poisoning diagnosed?
The majority of instances are identified in animals that exhibit the typical symptoms, alterations in the red blood cell composition, and a known or suspected ingestion. To support the diagnosis, bloodwork is done to assess red blood cell levels. A urinalysis and bloodwork to evaluate kidney function may also be advised.
How is poisoning treated?
Early decontamination and treatment reduce the possibility of negative consequences. The vet may make the animal vomit if the ingestion happened soon after therapy. Activated charcoal can be given once the vomiting has been controlled. This may lessen the body’s ability to absorb toxins from the digestive system. Only a veterinarian should provide activated charcoal. Otherwise, life-threatening fluctuations in salt levels and aspiration into the lungs could happen. Additionally, blood testing to examine the red blood cells will be done. Repeated blood tests are often advised for up to a week since cell death may not become apparent for several days. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680 as soon as possible if you think your pet has consumed ibuprofen to have the possibility of poisoning determined.
It might be advised to receive hospital care if red blood cell deterioration happens. Intravenously given fluids are frequently used. Pets who develop anemia (low red blood cell count) may need blood transfusions or additional oxygen. For days to weeks in these pets, it is frequently necessary to repeat bloodwork in order to check the red blood cell count and kidney parameters.
How can poisoning be prevented?
To avoid poisoning, it is important to restrict access to plants, herbs, seasonings, and dietary supplements. Never offer your dog food that has been seasoned with garlic or onions. Leeks, chives, onions, and garlic should be contained within fenced-off planters and gardens. Remainings containing these substances should be thrown away at a location away from pets. Keep in mind that some animals will even unlock lower cabinets or open drawers. Remember that pets may climb up counters or knock things off tables and counters.
Never administer drugs or supplements to a pet without first seeking advice from a doctor. Never leave vitamins or supplements where unattended animals could access them. Pets frequently chew through tightly locked bottles. Pets that are curious may want to investigate handbags, backpacks, lunchboxes, or suitcases. These things shouldn’t be placed in places where animals could access them. You shouldn’t assume that just because something tastes awful, a pet won’t eat it. All pets should be kept in another room of the house if prescriptions, plants, or seasonings are dropped and must be picked up.
Anytime a harmful exposure is thought to have occurred, quick action is advised. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid major health consequences and are frequently less expensive.