They would spend a lot of time trying to sleep off the discomfort. If your dog has eaten onions, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Death is the most severe. Eating even a small amount can cause them to become ill. Onions have a high toxicity rate to felines. Always keep fresh onions, onion powders, onion salts and other products containing onion out of your cats reach. The toxic dose of onion in dogs is about 5 to 10 grams per kilogram of body weight. Click to learn about the dangers onion poisoning poses to your dog or cat. Onion poisoning in cats is rare and only occurs when the cat eats a large number of onions. Such oxidant is the n-propyl disulfide, which is commonly found on allium species like onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, and the likes. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Symptoms of Onion Toxicity in Cats Common clinical signs noted after a feline has ingested onion includes: Panting Elevated heart rate Weakness Hematuria (blood in the urine) Hemolytic anemia / Heinz body anemia (breakdown of red blood cells) Vomiting Diarrhoea Dyspneoa Liver damage Lethargy Contact dermatitis (skin exposure) Collapse No symptoms yet. If your cat has severe vomiting or diarrhea, they may go off their food and become dehydrated. Depending on your cats size and sensitivity, a single gram of onion might be enough to cause poisoning. Onions are highly toxic not just to cats but also to dogs. 6. Once your cat has been released to you, discuss his diet with your vet. 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. 11. Garlic is a widely used ingredient and therefore can be found in many food items. If your cat has eaten onion or food with onion added to it, heres what to do. These are safer, and it doesnt have any onion content. Symptoms of the illness vary but can include . It can lead to limb weakness, fainting, vomiting, pale gums, decreased appetite, and more. Onion toxicosis can result from both a single large ingestion of onion, or after buildup that occurs over time when small amounts of onion are ingested regularly. Prompt veterinary care for inducing vomiting provides the best opportunity to remove at least some of the onion from the cats system. The sooner you take your cat to a veterinarian for treatment, the better his chances are of making a full recovery. But if your kitty only chewed a small bit or two, observing it for 12 hours should be enough. What Can Cats Eat? Many toxins cause gastrointestinal irritation that leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Explore our curated collection of pet telehealth & telemedicine news, articles, blog posts & more. You might wonder why your cat would want to eat onion, and although cats are less inclined to scavenge than dogs, they can find some human foods irresistible. Onion toxicity in cats is a hypersensitive reaction of the felines red blood cells to the oxidant present in fresh or dried onions. In the first few hours following the ingestion, some cats show showing symptoms of gastroenteritis: Later, once the hematological changes start, symptoms of anemia described above develop. Evidence suggests that 5 grams of onion per kilogram of body weight or 0.5% of your cats total weight is enough to cause harm. 36 Human Foods Cats Can Eat and 8 They Cant! In: Drobatz KJ, Costello MF, eds. Is your cat doing well? When not treated, death is imminent. So, if your cat has eaten onion or anything that has onion in it, contact your veterinarian right away for the best chance at recovery. At discharge, the cat's PCV was 32% and remained the same when rechecked five and nine days after exposure. 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. If vet care isnt sought right away, onion consumption can cause a cats eventual death. If you dont have access to a local veterinarian, call the pet poison helpline or your local poison control. Find out what you should do if an exposed cat is presented to your clinic. If this has happened to your cat, a complete blood transfusion may be necessary. Fearless protectors. Symptoms of onion poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and difficulty breathing. The lethal dose depends on each individual case, so we cannot say exactly how much onion kills a cat. Here you can learn more about dog poisoning, including more specific symptoms and first aid. 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 This reduces the absorption of toxins from your cats gut into their blood. If your veterinary clinic is not open, you need to call the emergency line or your clinics emergency provider. Symptoms of onion poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of onion toxicity are often related to anemia, and common signs are: Investigations and treatment for onion toxicity or anemia can include any of the following: Did you know cats are the second most common cause of indoor respiratory allergies? 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. Clinical signs of onion toxicosis include gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia) and behavior changes (depression, lethargy, weakness).2,5 Patients may experience dyspnea, exercise intolerance or collapse because of the body's inability to carry oxygen properly.2,5 The mucous membrane color may become pale or white, and the urine His eye was closed for a bit, but its open now and looks normal. Symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, ulceration to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and even organ damage. But once they've been absorbed into the system, items in the onion family cause even more dangerous problems for cats. Onion powder may even be a greater risk since it can be added in large quantities to food as a seasoning. If you think your animal may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. Is she safe after 7 days? Blood in the urine 4. 10. Id advise contacting the Animal Poison Control Center for personalized assistance. Also Read:Plants Poisonous to Cats: Toxic Plants to Avoid. Directly take your cat to an emergency veterinary hospital. Blood work was rechecked about 48 hours after ingestion and revealed a low normal blood urea nitrogen concentration (16 mg/dl; reference range = 16 to 36 mg/dl), decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (< 10 U/L; reference range = 14 to 111 U/L) and elevated ALT activity (150 U/L; reference range = 12 to 130 U/L). Vomiting 2. They may experience abdominal pain, which can be hard to notice in dogs. Once your cat has brought back the onion, so long as they are well, you may be able to take your cat home again. Hill AS, O'Neill S, Rogers QR, et al. The most common signs of poisoning in cats include: Vomiting Drooling Diarrhea Difficulty breathing Lethargy or weakness, wobbly gait Unresponsive Tremors, seizures, or twitching Appetite loss Drinking more than normal or excessive urination Red or raw skin or paw pads due to a chemical burn Bloody vomit, saliva, and/or stools Pale gums 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? For most dogs, as little as 2.5g of onion per kilogram of body weight can produce serious effects. The symptoms of onion poisoning are: Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Elevated heart rate Weakness Pale gums Excessive drooling Collapsing physically Treatment for onion poisoning in cats If your cat encounters an onion or eats even the smallest quantity, it is recommended that you instantly seek a medical professional's aid. If you see any of these symptoms, take your dog immediately to the veterinarian. If your cat eats a large amount of onion, the outcome will depend on how quickly you get to the veterinary clinic. Dr. Wooten is also a certified veterinary journalist, a member of the AVMA, and has 16 years experience in I always cook onions, and my kitten Watson doesnt vomit or collapse, whatsoever. Any cat who has ingested a potentially dangerous amount of Allium species needs emergency care. Signs of Onion Poisoning in Dogs If your dog has eaten onions, clinical signs may develop within a day or more. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Onion toxicity results in hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells. In the end, its not a matter of how much onion will hurt your cat; its about not giving it at all. The degree of anaemia usually depends on the amount of onion/garlic eaten and some dogs and cats can develop severe reactions even after eating very little. In severe blood loss cases, the feline may require a blood transfusion to replenish the bodys blood supply. It was reported that the cat did well at home and did not develop any further clinical signs. 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. Onion Poisoning Symptoms in Cats. Some cats, if they are severely anemic, will need a blood transfusion. Cheeke PR. What should you do if your cat eats onions? 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. Make sure to include the ingredient label if applicable. Remember that your cat is a carnivore and will not benefit from the supplementation of onions. But if your kitty ingested onions by accident, you should call the vet immediately. Featured image credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock. Most of the time, it is still a very good idea to call your vet for advice. Check if your cat seems unwell or has had any vomiting or diarrhea. Aside from that, sour cream contains a lot of salts and dairy that will cause stomach upset in cats. Any amount of onion will cause red blood cell damage. Learn more about how to keep your cat safe from toxic substances. Check what your cat has eaten, how much, and at what time. 3. The damage leads to Heinz bodies being attached to the RBCs, which . Call your veterinary clinic and tell them what has happened. Anemia in cats can be common and is not only caused by onion toxicity. Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats Drooling Hiding Vomiting Diarrhea Anorexia or decreased appetite Restlessness Weakness Ataxiawalking funny, wobbly gait Increased rate of breathing or heavy panting Increased heart rate Increased thirst Increased urination animal health publications. Am J Vet Res 2001; 62:370-374. Red blood cells carry vital oxygen around your cats body to the organs and muscles to keep them healthy. Onions & Garlic. If your dog has eaten garlic, it is important to contact your vet for advice as soon as possible because garlic and dogs do not get along. Your enemy is within your cats bloodstream, something that only the vet can deal with. If any of these signs apply to your pet, bring your canine to your vet for a checkup: Smell Of Onions Rapid Heartrate Anemia. Many different types of dog poisoning. Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in 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. All dogs who eat onion should be made to vomit as susceptibility varies. This is equally or even more poisonous to/than fresh bulbs. 5. Onions, chives, garlic and leeks Plant. The ASPCA APCC generally recommends that asymptomatic cats that have been successfully decontaminated be monitored at home by owners. What should I do if my dog ate onions? Your cat may be more vulnerable to the effects of onion poisoning if they are suffering from another illness, such as kidney disease. Hi Tania, I know this reply is quite late, and I apologize for the wait! Hemolytic anemia /Heinz body anemia(breakdown of red blood cells). Onion poisoning in cats and dogs is not an uncommon presentation in the veterinary clinic. Holiday Hazards. Veterinary reviewed by: Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS. Cats encounter poisonous substances by swallowing them, chewing on them, inhaling them, or coming into physical contact by brushing against or walking through them. A small bit of ramen powder got into my cats left eye when the packet when I was opening it. Most cats with the generalized signs of illness described above receive the following work-up: Physical examination Detailed blood work Urinalysis. According to the ASPCA, onions are of high toxicity to cats, along with dogs and horses. {{ getUser.first_name }} Compare top pet insurance plans. It can be particularly frustrating, however, if your cat has snatched food without your say-so. 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. Onions, garlic, shallots, and scallions can cause damage to your cat's red blood cells and lead to anemia. 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. If your cat develops onion toxicity, the prognosis depends on how well they respond to treatment. You should never feed you cat anything with onions in it, regardless if its fresh, dried, or powdered. Who knows you may even save a friends cats life as well. If the cat does not develop clinical signs and there are no changes in blood work, no further care is needed. 12. Blood in urine Skin irritations Take note that all parts of onion are poisonous to cats, regardless if it's fresh, wilted, or completely dried. But cooked onions fried with butter, onion gravy, and tasty food seasoned with onion powder may be particularly enticing to your cat. Heinz bodies are formations on the red blood cells, which is due to oxidative damage. Some of the most common symptoms to look for include: Onion poisoning occurs after a cat consumes onion, which can be poisonous in both fresh and dried forms. Unlike us, cats have a different digestive system and physiology, which is why they react differently to onions. She is more lethargic than normal and she is twitching also. 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