1. What is Onion Toxicity in Dogs?

Onions contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to hemolytic anemia. The toxicity depends on the amount consumed relative to the dog's weight and individual sensitivity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the onion toxicity formula:

Where:

• \( onion\_amount \) — Grams of onion consumed
• \( weight \) — Dog's weight in kilograms
• \( sensitivity\_factor \) — 1.0 for normal breeds, 1.5 for sensitive breeds

Explanation: The equation calculates the relative toxicity based on onion amount per kg of body weight, adjusted for breed sensitivity.

3. Importance of Toxicity Assessment

Details: Early assessment of onion toxicity helps determine appropriate response, from monitoring at home to seeking immediate veterinary care.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of onion consumed in grams, the dog's weight in kg, and select the breed sensitivity. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What amount of onion is dangerous for dogs?
A: Generally, more than 0.5% of body weight (5g per kg) can be toxic, but sensitive breeds may react to smaller amounts.

Q2: What are symptoms of onion toxicity?
A: Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, and dark urine (appearing 1-3 days after ingestion).

Q3: Which breeds are most sensitive?
A: Japanese breeds like Shiba Inu and Akita are particularly sensitive, but all dogs can be affected.

Q4: What should I do if my dog ate onions?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately. They may induce vomiting if ingestion was recent or provide supportive care.

Q5: Are cooked onions less dangerous?
A: No, cooking doesn't reduce the toxic compounds. In fact, cooked onions may be more palatable and lead to greater consumption.