Onions are food taste enhancers that have been used for thousands of years worldwide. Onions are not only used as a cooking ingredient but for its medicinal values as well. Onions have been used to treat bacterial infections, coughs, colds and other breathing problems. Onions is as well used by people with diabetes, osteoporosis and heart conditions. Onions has capabilities to lower cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure. Except for bad breath, humans get loads of benefits from eating onions however this is not so with canines.
It is not surprising for pet owners to share whatever they eat with the dog. This well meaning act though can have dangerous effects on the health of the pet. Although humans and dogs are claimed to have similar genetics, some human foods can make man's best friend ill. Humans derive lots of healthful benefits from onions but for dogs, this human food can cause hemolytic anemia.
Raw, cooked, dehydrated or powdered - onions in any form should not be given to the dog. The toxic effect of onion to dogs is dose dependent. This is even more dangerous given that the first few bites of onion will not show any ill effects thus the dog will be given another serving - .and another until the toxicity is accumulated in the dog's system.
A dog's stomach does not have the necessary enzyme to digest the theosulphate found in onions thus the substance becomes a menace that will create havoc inside the dog's system. The undigested theosulphate will react with oxygen, oxidize the hemoglobin to prematurely destruct red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. This function is impaired when bubble-like clumps are formed in the red blood cells when hemoglobin is oxidized.
The bubble-like clumps called Heinz bodies will rupture and prematurely destroy the red blood cells so that less oxygen is delivered to the parts of the body. This condition that is called hemolytic anemia will weaken the dog, cause vomiting and diarrhea. The dog will have bloodied urine, increased heart rate and breathing difficulties. An owner resisting the urge to give in to the dog is simply being kind. Although hard to do it is necessary to ignore the pleading looks of the pet. Never ever give the dog onions!
It is not surprising for pet owners to share whatever they eat with the dog. This well meaning act though can have dangerous effects on the health of the pet. Although humans and dogs are claimed to have similar genetics, some human foods can make man's best friend ill. Humans derive lots of healthful benefits from onions but for dogs, this human food can cause hemolytic anemia.
Raw, cooked, dehydrated or powdered - onions in any form should not be given to the dog. The toxic effect of onion to dogs is dose dependent. This is even more dangerous given that the first few bites of onion will not show any ill effects thus the dog will be given another serving - .and another until the toxicity is accumulated in the dog's system.
A dog's stomach does not have the necessary enzyme to digest the theosulphate found in onions thus the substance becomes a menace that will create havoc inside the dog's system. The undigested theosulphate will react with oxygen, oxidize the hemoglobin to prematurely destruct red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. This function is impaired when bubble-like clumps are formed in the red blood cells when hemoglobin is oxidized.
The bubble-like clumps called Heinz bodies will rupture and prematurely destroy the red blood cells so that less oxygen is delivered to the parts of the body. This condition that is called hemolytic anemia will weaken the dog, cause vomiting and diarrhea. The dog will have bloodied urine, increased heart rate and breathing difficulties. An owner resisting the urge to give in to the dog is simply being kind. Although hard to do it is necessary to ignore the pleading looks of the pet. Never ever give the dog onions!
No comments:
Post a Comment