Question 1

How much onion or garlic is toxic to dogs and cats?

Accepted Answer

For raw onion, toxic signs are generally linked to about 5 grams per kilogram of body weight in cats and 15 to 30 g/kg in dogs. Garlic is roughly 4 to 5 times more potent than onion, and dried powders are far more concentrated than fresh. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, so smaller amounts matter more.

Question 2

Is garlic worse than onion for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Garlic is about 4 to 5 times more potent than onion by weight, and garlic powder or supplements are more concentrated still. A small amount of garlic powder can be more dangerous than a larger amount of fresh onion.

Question 3

What are the signs of onion or garlic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Weakness, pale or yellow gums, fast breathing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and red- or brown-tinged urine. These come from damage to red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) and often develop over several days rather than immediately, so a pet can seem fine at first.

Question 4

My pet ate onion or garlic — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Estimate the amount and your pet's weight, then call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line such as the ASPCA (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Be extra cautious with cats, with garlic, and with concentrated powders or supplements. Because signs can be delayed, do not wait to see symptoms before calling.

Did your pet eat onion or garlic?