It is generally known that chocolates are dangerous to dogs thus dog owners would not give these comfort food to the pet. Not many dog owners though are aware of the fact that onions can kill the dog. Onions are unsafe for dogs as consumption can result to the development of serious health concerns.
Onion is a pungent bulb used as a cooking ingredient as it improves the taste of foods. Onions are one of the people-safe foods that have toxic effects on dogs. Dogs are oftentimes considered as humans thus they are as well given human foods. Consumption of onions in any form - cooked, raw, powdered or dried can result to a life threatening concern.
The toxic effects of onions will be dependent on the amount ingested by the pet. In some dogs, the effects of ingesting large amount of onions will be readily apparent. Signs of onion poisoning may not be manifested by dogs that have eaten small amounts of onions. Small amounts of onions when regularly ingested would cause a buildup of toxicity. In time the dog will show the clinical signs of hemolytic anemia.
Dogs do not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize thiosulphate, a substance contained by onions. This substance would cause the premature destruction of red blood cells. Red blood cells have the significant function of supplying oxygen to the tissues and to the different organs of the body. Thiosulphate has the dangerous effect of oxidizing the red blood cells. Once red blood cells are oxidized, bubble-like clumps known as Heinz bodies will project from the red blood cells. These projections make the red blood cells weak so that they would rupture easily. Premature destruction would considerably lessen the numbers of red blood cells giving rise to various health concerns one of which is heart failure.
Signs of onion toxicity usually occur a few days after the dog has regularly consumed onions. Bone marrow regenerates destroyed red blood cells thus a dog that has ingested a small amount of onion once may not suffer from onion toxicity. Hemolytic anemia is the common health concern that results from regular ingestion of onions as the toxic substance will cause the mass destruction of the dog's red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia will develop when the dog's bone marrow can no longer correct the mass destruction of red blood cells.
Dogs are not picky eaters thus there is no need to stimulate the pet's appetite by adding onions to its food. For the dog's sake (and for yours too) refrain from giving your pet foods containing onions.
Onion is a pungent bulb used as a cooking ingredient as it improves the taste of foods. Onions are one of the people-safe foods that have toxic effects on dogs. Dogs are oftentimes considered as humans thus they are as well given human foods. Consumption of onions in any form - cooked, raw, powdered or dried can result to a life threatening concern.
The toxic effects of onions will be dependent on the amount ingested by the pet. In some dogs, the effects of ingesting large amount of onions will be readily apparent. Signs of onion poisoning may not be manifested by dogs that have eaten small amounts of onions. Small amounts of onions when regularly ingested would cause a buildup of toxicity. In time the dog will show the clinical signs of hemolytic anemia.
Dogs do not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize thiosulphate, a substance contained by onions. This substance would cause the premature destruction of red blood cells. Red blood cells have the significant function of supplying oxygen to the tissues and to the different organs of the body. Thiosulphate has the dangerous effect of oxidizing the red blood cells. Once red blood cells are oxidized, bubble-like clumps known as Heinz bodies will project from the red blood cells. These projections make the red blood cells weak so that they would rupture easily. Premature destruction would considerably lessen the numbers of red blood cells giving rise to various health concerns one of which is heart failure.
Signs of onion toxicity usually occur a few days after the dog has regularly consumed onions. Bone marrow regenerates destroyed red blood cells thus a dog that has ingested a small amount of onion once may not suffer from onion toxicity. Hemolytic anemia is the common health concern that results from regular ingestion of onions as the toxic substance will cause the mass destruction of the dog's red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia will develop when the dog's bone marrow can no longer correct the mass destruction of red blood cells.
Dogs are not picky eaters thus there is no need to stimulate the pet's appetite by adding onions to its food. For the dog's sake (and for yours too) refrain from giving your pet foods containing onions.
About the Author:
So onions are dangerous to dogs. But do you know everything. At Sarah's Dogs there is further discussion on the topic of onions and dogs.
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