export const faqData = [ { q: "Are spring onions toxic to dogs?", a: "Yes. Spring onions (scallions) contain thiosulfates, compounds that damage red blood cells and cause haemolytic anaemia in dogs." }, { q: "How much is dangerous?", a: "Dogs are sensitive to onion family plants. Even 5–10 grams per kilogram of body weight can cause toxicity. A small dog eating a handful is at risk." }, { q: "What if my dog ate spring onion stems?", a: "All parts are toxic — bulbs, stems, and leaves. Contact your vet immediately." }, { q: "Are cooked spring onions safer?", a: "No. Cooking doesn't destroy thiosulfates. Cooked spring onions are just as toxic as raw ones." }, { q: "What symptoms should I watch for?", a: "Lethargy, pale gums, yellow eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dark-coloured urine appear within 24–72 hours." } ];
NO — dogs should NOT eat spring onions. All parts of spring onions (scallions) contain thiosulfates that destroy red blood cells, causing haemolytic anaemia. Even small amounts can trigger poisoning in dogs. Keep spring onions strictly away from your dog's food and dining area.
Why Are Spring Onions Dangerous for Dogs?
Spring onions, like all members of the allium family (onions, garlic, leeks, chives), contain thiosulfates — sulfur compounds that damage the membranes of canine red blood cells. This causes haemolysis (cell rupture), leading to anaemia and oxygen starvation in tissues.
Dogs lack the enzymes needed to safely metabolise thiosulfates. The damage accumulates over time, meaning even a single exposure can trigger a cascade of red blood cell destruction. Cooked spring onions are equally toxic — heat does not destroy thiosulfates.
Additionally, spring onions can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea independent of anaemia.
How Much Is Toxic?
Research shows toxicity thresholds at approximately 5–10 grams per kilogram of body weight. For context:
- A single spring onion (about 20–30 grams) is dangerous for dogs under 5kg.
- Two spring onions can cause symptoms in a 10kg dog.
- A handful (50+ grams) poses serious risk to most dogs.
Toxicity is dose-dependent — larger quantities cause faster, more severe symptoms. Even "just a bite" from a stir-fry or salad can accumulate if your dog scavenges regularly.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear within 24–72 hours, though some dogs show signs within 12 hours:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Reduced appetite or complete anorexia
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
- Pale or whitish gums (sign of anaemia)
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, ears, or gums)
- Dark-coloured or red urine
- Rapid breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Collapse (in severe cases)
The severity depends on the amount eaten and your dog's size. Puppies and elderly dogs are at higher risk.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Spring Onions
- Contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately.
- Note the amount — count how many spring onions and estimate weight.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet (safe within 2 hours of ingestion if advised).
- Bring a sample of the plant to your vet if possible, or a photo.
- Do not wait for symptoms — damage to red blood cells begins immediately, even if your dog seems fine.
- Get blood work done — your vet will want to check red blood cell counts and liver/kidney function.
Treatment typically includes activated charcoal (if ingestion was recent), IV fluids, and in severe cases, blood transfusions.
Prevention Tips
- Keep spring onions in a locked cupboard — not left on kitchen counters.
- Dispose of scraps immediately — don't leave them in a bin your dog can access.
- Be cautious with gardening — if growing spring onions, fence off the area.
- Check restaurant/takeaway boxes — spring onions are common in Asian and Mediterranean dishes.
- Educate family members — ensure children and guests know not to feed your dog "human food."
- Use safe alternatives — offer carrots, green beans, or safe herbs like parsley instead.
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