If your dog weighs 10 kg, one onion can cause intoxication. Such oxidant is the n-propyl disulfide, which is commonly found on allium species like onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, and the likes. Unlike other toxicoses, no amount of onion is harmless to cats. Erin resides in Champaign-Urbana with her husband, Cory; her two cats Miss Kitty and Switch; a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix, Sadie; and a tank full of fish. Secondly, funyuns are packed with onion powder, which is extremely poisonous to cats. The severity of onion poisoning in pets depends on the consumed amount. There is no antidote for onion toxicosis. Even if not related to your cat eating onion, any vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours should be discussed with your veterinarian. The signs of poisoning in cats vary dramatically depending on what toxin the cat has been exposed to, the overall health of the cat, how the cat was exposed (ingestion, inhalation, etc. The toxic agent present in onions is the oxidant n-propyl disulfide. The most common signs of poisoning in cats include: As soon as you suspect that your cat may have been poisoned, immediately contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital. If your veterinary clinic is not open, you need to call the emergency line or your clinics emergency provider. It can be particularly frustrating, however, if your cat has snatched food without your say-so. Some cats will receive activated charcoal, which is given by mouth. Wishing you both all the best! If your cat develops onion toxicity, the prognosis depends on how well they respond to treatment. If you arent sure if any of the foods were harmful, call your veterinarian, who will be able to help. Vomiting is often the first sign of drug ingestion, poisonous plant ingestion, and toxic food ingestion. Unfortunately, the more severe your cats anemia, the worse the prognosis. If your cat has ingested a substantial amount of onion, you shouldnt wait for the symptoms to occur. Symptoms Of Onion Poisoning In Dogs Onion Poisoning can cause noticeable changes in your dogs health and behaviour. Whether or not a cat can recover from poisoning without veterinary treatment depends on the overall health of the cat, the amount of toxic substance the the cat was exposed to, and the type of poison. All varieties and colors are also a risk. Dehydration is serious and often needs veterinary treatment to correct. Spring onions will cause the same adverse side effects as onion bulbs, even though it has a lower oxidant level. The substance in onions that's toxic to dogs is called sodium n-propyl thiosulfate. If any of these signs apply to your pet, bring your canine to your vet for a checkup: Smell Of Onions Rapid Heartrate The reduction in the number of red blood cells weakens our cats, since they are responsible for the transfer of oxygen through hemoglobin. To learn more, visit drsarahwooten.com. Like onion powder, they may be more hazardous because of the way they are often prepared. This applies to both fresh and dried onions as well. Symptoms of onion toxicity in cats include: Weakness Increased heart rate Panting Vomiting Asthma Gastrointestinal issues Blood in the urine Allergic reaction Diarrhea Liver damage Fainting Lethargy Lack of appetite Contact dermatitis The diagnosis can only be made by a professional after examining your cat's medical history and diet. A 2002 graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Sarah Wooten is a well known international speaker in the veterinary and animal health care spaces. Who knows you may even save a friends cats life as well. Next, try to understand the symptoms of onion poisoning and how soon the side effects kick in. When dealing with suspected poisoning in cats, it is important to recognize the signs of poisoning and know what to do if you see them. Hemolytic anemia will set in as well as lowering of oxygen levels as the red blood cells continue to deteriorate. If your cat showings any sign of dangerous symptoms. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Hematologic emergencies: anemia. Many cats become dehydrated either before or during treatment because of the vomiting and diarrhea. Protect yourself and your pet. Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. seizures, cardiac issues, age). Initial signs of onion poisoning would be excessive salivating and irritation to the dog's mouth. Remove any remaining onion out of your cats reach, so they do not eat anymore. Erythrocyte morphology. If your cat has ingested a toxin, you may see: GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea Wheezing or difficulty breathing Lethargy or weakness Loss of appetite Excessive thirst Drooling Pale gums Blood in stool, vomit, or saliva Seizures Treatment for onion poisoning typically includes giving the dog IV fluids and blood transfusions. Dogs who eat onions can develop a condition called hemolytic anemia. If it is red at all you can use over the counter allergy eye drops to help. Heres The Reason Why. Plants Poisonous to Cats: Toxic Plants to Avoid, View all posts by Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, Xylitol Poisoning In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, Stomatitis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, Ataxia In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, 10 Proven Ways To Show Your Cat You Love Her, How To Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control, Why Do Cats Hate Cucumbers? It may be easier to keep your cat out of the kitchen when you are cooking and away from the table when eating, as cats are far more agile than most dogs! This decreases the activity of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to a reduction of glutathione concentration in the RBCs.2 Glutathione is an important antioxidant in the RBC and acts as a reducing agent for sulfhydryl groups in hemoglobin.4 Reduced glutathione in RBCs can increase hemoglobin's susceptibility to oxidative damage.4, A cat's hemoglobin is considered two or three times more sensitive to oxidative damage than a dog's or a person's is because cats have eight free sulfhydryl groups on their hemoglobin, whereas dogs and people have four and two sulfhydryl groups, respectively.2,5 Heinz bodies are commonly observed in cats (1% to 10% is considered normal)4,6,7 and circulate longer in cats than in dogs because cats have nonsinusoidal spleens that are inefficient at removing Heinz body-containing RBCs.4 Cats, compared with other mammals, have an increased dependence of glutathione against oxidative damage in their erythrocytes.8 Feline hemoglobin also dissociates into dimers 10 times faster than hemoglobin dissociates in other species.4, In cats, ingesting 5 g/kg or more of onion is considered a risk for causing oxidative damage to hemoglobin and for anemia.2 There is also a secondary concern for renal damage due to hemoglobinuria.2,9 The onset time for developing anemia can be as soon as 12 hours after ingestion, but it is typically delayed up to two to five days after the exposure.2 Initial clinical signs of onion toxicosis in cats can be nonspecific. The packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein concentration were 43.6% and 8 g/dl, respectively, and the PCV stayed between 30% and 35% when checked every eight hours for 24 hours. A cat owner who observes any of these signs will do an animal a huge favor by seeking emergency veterinary care. Main Symptoms Symptoms of toxicosis usually appear 2-5 days after ingestion, because it takes that long for enough red blood cell damage to occur. The effect of onions on your cats body can add up over time. There is even onion powder in some baby food, so you need to be careful if you feed your baby around your dog. The vet may keep your cat following treatment to ensure he has been stabilized and no longer needs IV fluids or respiratory support. Garlic is considered to be about 5-times as potent as onion. Cats are the most sensitive and develop more severe symptoms. Search resources and find a vet based on your pet's conditions. You can give it a slice of freshly peeled cucumber(Do cat like cucumber) or some cooked oats instead. This condition, known as Heinz body anemia, can be incredibly dangerous. General Symptoms Of Poisoning In Cats Signs of poisoning may include collapse, seizures, dullness, inappetence, increased excessive thirst, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, altered behavior, as well as other more subtle signs such as reduced urination, low blood pressure, slow or rapid heart rate. Onion toxicity in cats is commonly diagnosed through the examination of a cats red blood cells. In: Toxic plants of North America. 4. It causes destruction of red blood cells which can lead to changes in gum color, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and worse case scenario death for high doses. The effect of eating onion can get worse over time. Onions are poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Some cats love to chew on plants in the garden, and seeds can get stuck to their fur if they are walking by onion beds. Explained By A Vet. You should avoid your cat from having physical contact with chopped onions. If your cat is showing any signs of poisoning, then call your vet immediately. An onion can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, known as Heinz body anemia, making it impossible for the cats bloodstream to transport oxygen to different parts of the body. What can I do at home for her? A tiny amount of the veggie may not harm your pet, and also Not all cats will develop the toxic . J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;212(8):1260-1266. The minimum toxic amount of onion in cats is 1g/5lb, which means .2g/lb. Hill AS, O'Neill S, Rogers QR, et al. The emergency veterinarian contacted the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). What should I do if my dog ate onions? Once symptoms start to appear, therapy is supportive and includes: Fluid therapy: Fluid therapy is useful for maintaining blood pressure and hydration. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Onions are part of a group of plants called alliums. Nevertheless, most cats will back off the moment they sniff the strong scent of onions. Besides, your cat will not benefit from the nutrients in onion. As long as youre not giving the cooked onion to your kitty, there shouldnt be a problem. 7. No more lillies allowed in my house lol, Yay! Do not induce vomiting or start any other at home medical treatment in your cat without the supervision of a veterinarian. As hemolytic anemia is a common clinical sign of onion toxicity, the present of Heinz bodies on the edge of a red blood cell, seen microscopically, will indicate oxidative injury. Thank you for your question. So, it is vital to keep an eye on your feline companion when you are cooking, and do not leave scraps lying around where your cat can reach them. In: Poppenga RH, Gwaltney-Brant SM, eds. Prognosis depends on how much onion was consumed, the success of decontamination efforts, and how quickly the resulting anemia is identified and treated. However, it does depend on your cats size compared to the amount of onion they have eaten. Take caution when inducing emesis.5,9 In cats, emesis can be induced with dexmedetomidine (40 g/kg intramuscularly).11 The effects of dexmedetomidine can be reversed with atipamezole.11 This protocol is recommended in cats since they do not readily vomit from 3% hydrogen peroxide. Signs of Onion Poisoning in Dogs If your dog has eaten onions, clinical signs may develop within a day or more. Clinical signs of Allium spp toxicosis are generally not noted until substantial hemolysis has occurred, usually a few days after exposure. Take care not to get bitten or scratched. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 1991;13(7):1079-1087. The feline may be hospitalized and administered intravenous fluid therapy. If your cat is unwell or has any of the symptoms described above, call your veterinary clinic urgently. your cat has eaten anything that contains onions, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? A cat may be suffering from poisoning if any of the following general symptoms are observed: Difficulty in breathing Blue tongue and gums Panting Vomiting and/or diarrhea Gastric irritation Coughing and sneezing Depression Salivation Seizures, tremors or involuntary muscle twitching Weakness and potentially unconsciousness Dilated pupils Most of the time, it is still a very good idea to call your vet for advice. Symptoms of toxicosis usually appear 2-5 days after ingestion, because it takes that long for enough red blood cell damage to occur. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers. This compound causes a condition known as anemia, which is when red blood cells break down and the body doesn't produce enough new ones. Hope the pregnancy goes well, too. For kittens, a single gram of onion is already lethal. Its under the same Allium species, so its a no-brainer that spring onions are not safe for cats. Once your cat has been released to you, discuss his diet with your vet. Cat Growling in Sleep? Every part of the onion, including the bulb, flowers, and stem, are toxic to cats. Also Read:Plants Poisonous to Cats: Toxic Plants to Avoid. Uncharacteristic sluggishness, unsteady gait, drooling, heavy breathing, diarrhea, seizures, and sudden bouts of vomiting are among the common clinical signs of feline poisoning (toxicosis). Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell, 2001;379-407. When larger amounts of onion are consumed, more blood cell damage results, and the consequences are potentially life-threatening. The signs of poisoning in cats vary dramatically depending on what toxin the cat has been exposed to, the overall health of the cat, how the cat was exposed (ingestion, inhalation, etc. The diagnostic tool to reveal this clinical sign is called a blood smear, requiring only a small sample of blood from the feline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is a 24-hour animal emergency consultation service that provides treatment and diagnostic recommendations to animal owners and veterinarians regarding animal poisoning cases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Learn what it's all about. Book a virtual appointment to see a licensed vet online, 24/7. First, onions and garlic cause nausea and other GI symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. While your cat can show different symptoms depending on the type of toxin he ate or was exposed to, here are some general signs of poisoning you can watch out for: Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Weakness Drooling Increased heart rate Hyperactivity Tremors Difficulty breathing Depression Increased thirst Pale gums Loss of appetite Lack of coordination The toxic factor of onions is caused by the presence of the chemical N-propyl disulfide, to which felines are especially affected, even more so than canines. Do this even if you are unsure if they have eaten onion, as you will increase the likelihood of a good outcome for your cat. My cat just ate an onion ring. Knowing the symptoms of Onion Poisoning in dogs is the first step in safeguarding your dogs wellbeing. The best medicine is preventive medicine. If clinical signs develop, administration of the antioxidants should continue until clinical signs resolve. According to information available in the ASPCA APCC toxicology database, the most common signs reported in cats are vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.10, Some of the common toxic agents that can cause clinical signs similar to onion toxicosis and should be considered as potential toxins in cases such as this one are zinc, copper, propylene glycol, benzocaine, phenazopyridine, dl-methionine, acetaminophen and moth balls that contain naphthalene.2 Other conditions such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, blood parasites (Mycoplasma haemofelis, Babesia canis, Mycoplasma suis), diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, neoplasms and other hereditary diseases that affect RBCs should also be considered as differential diagnoses.2, Onion toxicosis is diagnosed based on a history of exposure, clinical signs and laboratory findings.2 Blood tests that can aid in diagnosis include a CBC with a differential and reticulocyte count, evaluation of a peripheral blood smear to detect Heinz bodies in RBCs, a methemoglobin concentration, and a serum chemistry profile focusing on bilirubin concentration and renal values. Certain breeds and species are more sensitive, including cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (e.g., Akita, Shiba Inu). If you do see her again, I would be very careful to make sure that shes kept safely in the home and is able to get the care she needs. So, your veterinarian will also want to look for other diseases that could explain your cats symptoms. The treatment for onion poisoning in cats is usually symptomatic, as there is no antidote. my cat got into some onion grass two days ago and has since puked it up twice , i gave him some water today and he does eat a bit and became playful after i engaged him, he has not gone potty that much mabe twice since then is he ok or do i need to give him more water i was not that much mabe a blade or two of that grass. Erythrocytes In: Latimer KS, Mahaffey EA, Prasse KW, eds. Wishing you all the best. Common clinical signs noted after a feline has ingested onion includes: An onion can become toxic to a feline if more than 1 gram per 5 pounds of body weight is ingested. Worried about the cost of Onion Poisoning treatment? Also, the smell of cooked onions is not toxic to cats. He or she will ask about your cats current diet, including table scraps or ingredients in her raw food diet. In extreme cases, the cat may have already lost too many red blood cells by the time you take him in for treatment. Cats do not usually eat onion by itself, but mixed into a food, it can easily be ingested. Feline emergency & critical care medicine. They may induce vomiting if the timing is appropriate. The most common signs of poisoning in cats include: If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or if neither are available, the ASPCA 24 hour poison hotline. Here's a look at some of the most toxic foods for cats. 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