No, dogs cannot eat leeks because of their poisonous substances.
Leeks are vegetables that belong to the Allium genus. The plant is known for having long, cylindrical bundled leaf sheaths that can be enjoyed by humans in raw or cooked form. Its taste is similar to onions, which is coincidentally part of the same genus.
Just like onions, garlic, and chives, aromatic leeks are highly toxic to dogs. According to Pet Poison Helpline, consuming large amounts of leeks can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cell membranes. This makes your dog’s red blood cells more likely to rupture. In addition, gastroenteritis may occur days after leek consumption.
What to do if your dog accidentally eats leeks: Do not allow your pooch to have access to raw, cooked, dried, and powdered leeks at all times. If he accidentally ingests it, he may experience inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract depending on how much he ate.
For red blood cell damage, observe your dog for drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and red-coloured urine. Additionally, anemia can also manifest as any of the following: lethargy, pale gums, increased heart and/or respiratory rate, weakness, intolerance to exercise, and collapse.
Furthermore, VCA Animal Hospital reports that kidney damage may occur in dogs with red blood cell damage. Symptoms include increase in water intake, increase or decrease in urination, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
If you suspect your dog ate leeks, it is essential not to wait for symptoms to manifest as these can take days to appear. That way, the veterinarian can immediately treat the poisoning and remove the toxins from your dog’s body.
In summary: Dogs should never play with, chew on, or eat leeks. Make sure your beloved pet does not have access to your herb garden, especially if you grow poisonous varieties.
Explore our “can dogs eat” category to discover which human foods your pet dog can safely consume.
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