No, dogs cannot eat green onions. Green onions, also known as scallions, are a part of the allium family, which are toxic and poisonous to dogs. They have a toxic compound named n-propyl disulfide. Any vegetable from the allium family is harmful and unhealthy for dogs. As a responsible pet parent, do not let your dog eat green onions and other vegetables from the allium family.
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What Are Green Onions?
Green onions are a part of the allium family. Unlike other allium family vegetables, green onions have a mild smell. It is a staple ingredient in most of the cuisines found in the world.
Scallion’s etymology goes thus: it is considered that an ancient Greek writer Theophrastus described the tubular bulb as Askolonion. However, many believe that the term Askolonion has developed from the ancient Canaan city Ashkelon.
Are Green Onions Safe For Dogs?
No, green onions are not safe for dogs. The entire vegetable is toxic due to the compound present in them. The n-propyl disulfide is a chemical compound that dogs cannot tolerate. Therefore, all the vegetables in the allium family are toxic to dogs.
Why Is Green Onion Bad For Dogs?
Green onions or scallions have n-propyl disulfide, which is dangerous for dogs. Dogs do not have enzymes to break the compound and digest it. N-propyl disulfide also binds with the red blood cells, specifically the hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the entire body. As a result, it affects the red blood cells and cuts down the oxygen supply in the body. This condition is referred to as oxidative damage.
The consequences of consuming green onions are:
Hemolytic anemia
Heinz body anemia
Methemoglobinemia
Vomiting
Weakness
Blood in urine
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Decreased stamina
Accelerated heart rate
Diarrhea
Abdominal issues
Pale or bluish gums
Yellow eyes
Loss of coordination
Fainting
Exercise intolerance
Hyper-salivation
Tremors
Seizures
Kidney failure
Coma
Death
In addition, green onions contain thiosulphate, toxic for dogs. It becomes toxic for dogs as they don’t have enzymes involved in breaking this compound, making it difficult to digest.
How Much Green Onions To Feed My Dog?
You should strictly never provide your dog with green onions. The toxicity happens very fast, and you could lose your dog forever. In addition, vegetables from the allium family can be very dangerous to your dog. All the parts of the specific vegetable can be deadly if consumed.
What If My Dog Ate Green Onions?
If your dog ate green onions accidentally from your table scraps or the countertop, it would be best if you rushed to the vet at the earliest. The symptoms might not show immediately, but they will occur within 24 hours of ingestion. However, the signs which will surface are:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Blood in urine
Lack of coordination
Panting
Whining
Restlessness
Tremors
Decreased stamina
Pale gums
Loss of appetite
Kidney failure and death (severe cases)
You can do the water therapy at home and then visit the vet. Provide your dog with enough water to ease his stomach. However, this is not going to solve the issue. After taking him to the vet, (s)he will:
Flush the stomach to remove undigested pieces and toxins.
Supply extra oxygen
Arrange blood transfusion
After the diagnosis and the treatment, the dog must stay in the clinic under the vet’s observation. Few dogs will be okay and step back home, and few will have to wait for more days until the issue is nearly over.
Pro Tips
Dogs do not prefer the green onion taste. Still, things may miss your eyes, and he may consume them accidentally. Here are a few tips to avoid green onion poisoning in your pet:
Make sure to trash the unused parts of onions properly.
Keep foods containing green onions and other vegetables of the allium family away from your dog’s reach and sight.
Ensure that the food you provide your pet has dog-safe ingredients, and try to know the components in your dog’s food and treats.
Suppose you have a herb garden with green onions and plants of the allium family. In that case, keep the area fenced to avoid your furry friend grabbing a bite from the plant.
Alternatives To Green Onions
Green Onions cannot be a wise option to feed your dog. Look for alternatives, and here we suggest a few as dog treats:
Green onions are poisonous to dogs in any form and shape, whether fresh, dried, cooked, powdered, fried, diced or bite-sized. They are completely unsafe for your pets and so keep them at bay.
Can dogs eat onion and garlic?
No. Dogs cannot eat onion and garlic as they belong to the allium family. They contain n-propyl disulfide, which can cause onion toxicity in dogs and may even lead to death.
No. Dogs cannot eat shallot, chives, and leek as they belong to the allium family.
Can puppies eat onion and garlic?
No. Puppies are not allowed to eat any human food; onions and garlic are not an exception. However, if your puppy somehow consumes onion or garlic, take him to the vet immediately without waiting for the symptoms.
Can puppies eat shallots, chives, and leek?
Human food is restricted for puppies. Puppies’ digestive system is not as strong as adult dogs. However, adult dogs face a problematic health condition when they consume shallots, chives, and leek.
Puppies will not be able to survive for a long time if they eat shallots, chives, and leek. Therefore, never offer your puppy the vegetables of the allium family.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the article, we would like to conclude by saying that green onions are harmful and poisonous for dogs. The chemical compound n-propyl disulfide damages the red blood cells by cutting down on the body’s oxygen supply and leading to various health issues. Never provide your dog with any vegetables from the allium family. Also, if you try introducing human food to your dog, consult a vet before doing so. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog.
