Onions (all varieties) can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. Hemolytic anemia is caused by hemolysis, i.e., the death red blood cells. There is a substance in onions that causes hemolysis. If hemolysis occurs faster than red blood cells are replaced by the bone marrow, this type of anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells) results. Hemolytic anemia is VERY serious in dogs and not unusual that it results in death. Onion poisoning is one of many possible causes of hemolytic anemia (different poisons; anti-freeze; rocky mountain spotted fever. Signs of this anemia come on quite suddenly and include white gums and white tissue in the eye sockets instead of the healthy red color you normally see; fatigue, lethargy to the point that the dog cannot stand up; the urine takes on a phosphorescent greenish yellow color. Dogs may progress rapidly to death even with aggressive treatment.

Christmas Dangers

Plants: Christmas trees (firs, cedars, pines): contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting and diarrhea; needles can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach.

Christmas tree preservatives: most contain sugar and fertilizer-the sugar will attract the dog and the fertilizer can cause vomiting.

Decorative holly: can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system depression.

Mistletoe: depending on the variety, the signs can range from vomiting and diarrhea to heart arrhythmias, difficult breathing, seizures, or coma.

Poinsettia: rumors of its toxicity have been somewhat exaggerated. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but rarely causes severe problems.

Amaryllis and Christmas cactus can both cause severe depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

Household Items: Batteries: if bitten into, the corrosive fluid can cause severe ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Intact batteries pose a foreign body hazard in the GI tract.

Christmas decorations: most are foreign body hazards rather than true toxicities. EXCEPTION: ornaments made from homemade play dough can contain high levels of salt. The NAPCC has had several recent cases where dogs eating homemade play dough have died of salt poisoning.

Potpourri/potpourri oil: can cause severe burns to the mouth and esophagus. The essential oils can affect the nervous system, causing weakness, in coordination, and hypertension..

Christmas gifts: perfumes and after-shaves generally contain fairly high levels of alcohol, which can be dangerous to dogs. Be sure to put up any gifts that you suspect may contain food items such as chocolates, coffee, or macadamia nuts.

Foods: Chocolate: dark chocolates, cocoa and chocolate chips are more dangerous than milk chocolate, but even milk chocolate can be deadly in large enough quantities. Chocolate intoxication can result in hyperactivity, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening heart arrhythmias. The high amounts of fat in most chocolate items can precipitate a bout of pancreatitis in susceptible animals.

Bread dough: yeast from homemade bread produce alcohol-ingestion of raw yeast dough can result in serious alcohol intoxication. Additionally, there is a risk of bloat and gastrointestinal obstruction from the dough as it rises in the stomach.

Coffee and espresso: caffeine is a no-no for dogs, as it acts as a stimulant and can cause severe heart acceleration and seizures.

Macadamia nuts: can cause increased body temperature, muscle stiffness, increased heart rate and tremors.

Alcohol: serious intoxications have occurred when dogs have been given alcohol to drink as a joke. Also, dogs seem to be attracted to alcoholic drinks, so drinks should not be left unattended.