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Posted by Jennifer Copley Aug 8, 2008 |
Onions contain an ingredient called allyl propyl disulfide, which can lead to anemia in cats and dogs because it causes their red blood cells to rupture. Garlic also contains allyl propyl disulfide, though not as much of it.
Anemia symptoms include depression, high respiratory rate, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Anemia can destroy kidney tissue, causing kidney failure. Many owners give sick cats baby food to encourage them to eat. When doing this, it’s important to check the label as many baby foods contain onions or onion salt. Benzocaine topical preparations and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also cause anemia. Dogs or cats that have ingested these substances or onions should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
- For more information on onions and pets, see Just Say No to Onions and Why are onions dangerous for dogs and cats?
- For more information on feline nutrition, see Dry Food, Wet Food, and Raw Diets for Cats and Cat Nutrition and Home-Made Food.