Is Onion / garlic / chives / leeks toxic to dogs & cats?
Also known as: onion / garlic / chives / scallions
🚑 What to do right after ingestion
Note the amount and timing, then see the vet even if your pet looks fine — hemolysis is delayed and red-cell monitoring is needed.
Toxicity notes
Contains thiosulfates that destroy red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Cats are 2-3× more sensitive than dogs. Soups, dumpling fillings, braised dishes and most Chinese cooking contain alliums; signs can be delayed 3-5 days.
Poisoning symptoms
- • Vomiting and diarrhea
- • Severe lethargy
- • Pale gums
- • Red or dark urine
- • Rapid breathing
Symptoms can be delayed (e.g. onion/garlic-induced hemolysis may take days) — a pet looking fine right now is no reason to relax.
FAQ
How much causes poisoning?
Contains thiosulfates that destroy red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Cats are 2-3× more sensitive than dogs. Soups, dumpling fillings, braised dishes and most Chinese cooking contain alliums; signs can be delayed 3-5 days.
Can I make my pet vomit at home?
Home-induced vomiting is not advised: corrosive cleaners, sharp bones or existing neurological signs make it dangerous, and improper technique risks aspiration pneumonia. Vomiting should be induced by a vet with proper drugs at the right moment — most effective within 1-2 hours. So “head to the clinic as soon as you know” beats “try to induce vomiting first”.
Even without symptoms, use the symptom checker to review what to watch for
Start symptom check →