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Pet safety

Is Onions toxic to dogs?

Allium cepa

Toxic to dogs

Yes — onions is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Allium cepa as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially horses due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes haemolytic anaemia. Both raw and cooked onion are toxic. Garlic, leeks, and chives carry the same risk.

What to do if your dog ate onions

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move onions out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of onions to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten onions, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is onions toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is onions toxic to dogs?

Yes — onions is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Allium cepa as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially horses due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes haemolytic anaemia. Both raw and cooked onion are toxic. Garlic, leeks, and chives carry the same risk.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats onions?

ASPCA lists Allium cepa as toxic to cats, dogs, and especially horses due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes haemolytic anaemia. Both raw and cooked onion are toxic. Garlic, leeks, and chives carry the same risk. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to onions.

What should I do if my dog ate onions?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is onions toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Onions is toxic to cats as well. See the full onions pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to onions?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full onions pet-safety