Onions are food taste enhancers that have been used for thousands of years worldwide. This pungent bulb was proven to have many health benefits. This food taste enhancers have been used to cure cough, cold, breathing problems and bacterial infections. Onions is as well used by people with diabetes, osteoporosis and heart conditions. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are lowered with regular consumption of onions. Humans would not mind the bad breath that results from eating onions because of its many health benefits but dogs would have to fear for their lives if they eat onions.

Because dogs are well loved pets, it has become a habit of pet owners to share with the pet whatever they are eating. Unknowing of the dangers of some human food to the dog, an owner would commonly share what is being eaten with the pet. Although humans and dogs are claimed to have similar genetics, some human foods can make man’s best friend ill. In dogs, onions causes hemolytic anemia thus this human food must not be included in the dog’s diet.

Dogs should never be allowed to eat foods with onions in any form as it would have dangerous effects on the dog. The toxic effect of onions would largely depend on the amount consumed. This is even more dangerous given that the first few bites of onion will not show any ill effects thus the dog will be given another serving – .and another until the toxicity is accumulated in the dog’s system.

The theosulphates substance found in onions cannot be digested by dogs as our furry friends do not have the enzyme necessary for the substance to undergo metabolism. The undigested theosulphate will react with oxygen, oxidize the hemoglobin to prematurely destruct red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. The formation of bubble-like clumps in the red blood cells as a result of hemoglobin oxidation will weaken the ability of this protein molecule to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

Less oxygen will be delivered to the parts of the body if the bubble-like clumps called Heinz bodies will rupture and prematurely destroy the red blood cells. The affected dog will develop hemolytic anemia, a condition that causes the dog to vomit and have diarrhea. Dogs with hemolytic anemia are noted to have increased heart rate, bloodied urine and breathing difficulties. We love our dogs but there instances where an owner has to be to be mean to the dog. Resist the woeful expression on the dog’s eyes. Resist the urge to give the dog onions!

Read all about why dogs can’t eat onions and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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