Food
Onion, Garlic, Leek and Chives
Contact a vet the same day. Cats and Japanese dog breeds are particularly sensitive.
ModerateDogsCatsFerretsRabbitsBirds
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Remove any remaining food
- 2.Work out how much was eaten relative to body weight
- 3.Call your veterinary practice for advice
Symptoms
- Pale gums
- Weakness and exercise intolerance
- Rapid breathing
- Red or brown urine
- Vomiting
Details
- Category
- Food
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats, Ferrets, Rabbits, Birds
- Routes of exposure
- Eaten raw, cooked, dried or powdered, including in stocks, gravies and baby food
- Urgency
- Contact a vet the same day. Cats and Japanese dog breeds are particularly sensitive.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Organosulfur compounds damage red blood cells, causing Heinz body haemolytic anaemia that may appear several days after ingestion.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Onion, Garlic, Leek and Chives, report the exposure route: Eaten raw, cooked, dried or powdered, including in stocks, gravies and baby food. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.