The amount of onion that can be toxic to dogs depends on a few factors:
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Dog's size: Smaller dogs are more susceptible to onion poisoning than larger breeds.
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Amount of onion ingested: The larger the amount consumed, the higher the risk of toxicity.
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Concentration of onion compounds: Different parts of the onion plant (bulb, flesh, leaves) and processed forms (powder, juice) can have varying concentrations of toxic compounds.
Here's a general guideline:
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Toxic dose: According to veterinary sources, ingesting more than 0.5% of their body weight in onions can be toxic to dogs.
This means:
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A 10-pound dog (4.5 kg) would be at risk after consuming more than 25 grams (about 0.9 ounces) of onion.
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A 45-pound dog (20.4 kg) could potentially experience problems after eating over 112 grams (about 4 ounces) of onion.
Important:
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These are just estimates, and individual dogs may vary in their sensitivity.
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Any amount of onion ingestion is best avoided.
If you suspect your dog ate onion, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately. Here are some resources:
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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
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Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 777-2213
Remember, early intervention is crucial in cases of onion poisoning.