Can dogs eat scallions? Scallions are an ever-present staple in our homecooked meals, and some of us even grow them in our gardens. But are scallions safe for our dogs to have access to and eat?
The short answer is no; scallions are toxic for dogs to consume. Scallions come from the same family as garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, and chives, all of which are completely toxic for dogs.
Since these are all items we keep in our home for general cooking, it’s vital to be aware of how bad they are for our canine friends.
All of the research on these vegetables is well-documented, but you must consult your veterinarian for all the facts. Have a discussion with them regarding vegetables you keep at home. In the meantime, here is everything you should know about why scallions are toxic for dogs.
Why Are Scallions Bad For Dogs?
In general, every vegetable from the Allium family is toxic for dogs. As touched on above, other members of this family include everyday items like chives, onions, garlic, and shallots with garlic being, by far, the most lethal of the bunch.
When this family of vegetables is ingested by the canine system, oxidative poisoning occurs. Intestinal ruptures and extreme gastrointestinal upset follows, as their red blood cells are attacked.
Symptoms of this as it occurs include diarrhea, abdominal swelling, nausea, and excessive drooling.
With a significant enough incident, anemia can occur. Symptoms include extreme lethargy, rapid respiratory and heart rates, weakness and collapsing, pale gums, and more.
Depending on the size of your dog, these symptoms might not show themselves right away. So don’t think you’re in the clear too soon. Buildup from this poisoning can occur over several days, and that can be too long for effective treatment.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate A Scallion?
Often, little pieces of scallions will fall to the floor while chopping. If your dog snatches one up, this isn’t a huge cause for alarm. If you have a larger breed, their system will likely process it without issue. You’ll just want to keep an eye out, especially with smaller breeds.
But, if your dog got into a bunch of scallions, ate up a significant amount from your garden, or if they suffer from any underlying health conditions already, seek immediate care.
Being quick, proactive, and on the move to wipe these toxins from their system is the best course of action. It doesn’t take much for poisoning to occur, unfortunately. With onions, a medium-sized onion is enough for the toxins to take hold of a medium-sized dog.
We keep a lot of these foods that are toxic for dogs in our homes. Being aware of their effect on our family members helps us to keep them safe. Always keep scallions up and away from a dog’s reach, and if you grow them at home, keep that section fenced off from your dog.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten a scallion? Did they show any symptoms afterward? Let us know in the comments below.
