Why Everyday Kitchen Ingredients Can Be Deadly for Pets
Most pet owners in North and West Vancouver love sharing food with their furry companions. After all, it feels natural to sneak a little piece of dinner under the table or let your dog lick the last bit of sauce. But what many don’t realize is that onion, garlic, and garlic powder can be extremely toxic to both cats and dogs.
At North Care Animal Hospital, we regularly see emergency cases related to food toxicity. Many of these involve pets who have ingested “harmless” ingredients like garlic bread, stir-fry with onions, or baby food seasoned with garlic powder. While these may seem safe to humans, they can cause life-threatening damage to pets’ red blood cells, leading to anemia and even organ failure.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly why onions and garlic are dangerous, how to spot the early warning signs, and what you should do if your cat or dog ingests these foods.
Why Are Onions and Garlic Toxic to Pets?
Both onions and garlic belong to the Allium family, which also includes leeks, shallots, and chives. These vegetables contain compounds called thiosulfates and disulfides. While humans can metabolize these safely, cats and dogs cannot.
When ingested, these compounds cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, producing abnormal cells called Heinz bodies. Over time, this leads to hemolytic anemia – a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
Key Facts:
Garlic is five times more toxic than onions on a per-weight basis.
Cats are more sensitive than dogs, but both species can suffer severe poisoning.
Toxicity can occur from fresh, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated forms.
How Much Is Dangerous?
Toxicity depends on the size of your pet and the amount consumed. As little as:
5 g/kg of onions in cats
15–30 g/kg in dogs
can cause clinically significant damage.
Garlic, being more potent, can cause toxicity at much smaller doses. Even garlic powder in seasoning or baby food can lead to problems if consumed repeatedly.
Symptoms of Onion & Garlic Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Symptoms may appear hours to days after ingestion. Early recognition is critical.
| Stage | Common Symptoms in Cats & Dogs |
|---|---|
| Early (0–24 hours) | Drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite |
| Progressive (1–5 days) | Weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, lethargy, exercise intolerance |
| Severe | Collapse, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), dark urine, organ failure |
What To Do if Your Pet Eats Onion or Garlic
Do not wait for symptoms. Even small amounts can cause damage.
Call a veterinarian immediately. You can reach our Pet Emergency Services in North Vancouver for urgent support.
Do not induce vomiting without veterinary guidance—certain situations make this dangerous.
Bring packaging or a sample of what your pet ate. This helps us calculate the likely dose.
At North Care Animal Hospital, our veterinarians may recommend:
Inducing vomiting (if ingestion was recent and safe to do so).
Activated charcoal to reduce absorption.
Hospitalization with IV fluids to support kidney and liver function.
Bloodwork and monitoring to assess anemia progression.
Oxygen therapy or blood transfusions in severe cases.
Why Garlic Powder Is Especially Dangerous
Many pet owners assume garlic powder is harmless since it’s a seasoning, not a full clove. In reality, garlic powder is concentrated, meaning even a small sprinkle on leftover food can add up over time.
We often see chronic low-dose exposures where dogs are fed table scraps or cats eat baby food containing garlic. The cumulative effect can cause delayed anemia, which owners may not notice until their pet is extremely ill.
Preventing Onion & Garlic Poisoning
Never feed human leftovers containing onions, garlic, or powders.
Read ingredient labels on store-bought foods, gravies, soups, and baby food.
Be mindful of sauces and marinades that often contain onion or garlic as base flavors.
Educate family members (especially children and seniors) about safe pet feeding.
Store spices and vegetables securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
Why Choose North Care Animal Hospital
If you’re in North or West Vancouver and suspect your pet has eaten onions or garlic, time is critical. Our team at North Care Animal Hospital is fully equipped with emergency care facilities, diagnostic labs, and a compassionate staff to provide immediate help.
Walk in anytime during emergencies with no appointment needed at our North & West Vancouver Walk-In Vet Clinic.
For urgent situations, our Pet Emergency Services in North Vancouver are available to stabilize your pet quickly.
Can’t travel? We offer In-Home Veterinary Services across North & West Vancouver for convenience and stress-free care.
Learn more about our experienced veterinarians Dr. Ali Sadaghdar and Dr. Farhang Farhadi, who bring years of advanced clinical expertise.
We proudly serve the community as a trusted Animal Hospital in North Vancouver and a leading Animal Hospital in West Vancouver.
Final Takeaway
Onions, garlic, and garlic powder are not just “bad foods” for pets—they are potentially lethal toxins. Even small amounts can cause anemia, organ damage, and life-threatening emergencies in cats and dogs.
If you suspect ingestion, do not wait. Call North Care Animal Hospital immediately:
📍 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
📞 Tel: 604-984-1464
📧 Email: Northcareanimalhospital@gmail.com
🕗 Open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Your pet’s safety is our mission.