Can dogs eat chives? You may be asking this because you want to add a garnish to your pup’s gourmet meal. Humans can eat chives, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, chives are not safe for dogs to eat. Chives are small, green tubes that are closely related to onions, scallions, leeks, and garlic, all of which are toxic to dogs.
If you suspect your dog has eaten chives, you should contact your vet for advice. Here’s why chives are bad for your dog.
Why Are Chives Bad For Dogs?
Chives are a member of the Allium family and contain the same properties that make onions, scallions, leeks, and garlic toxic to dogs.
Chives can cause anemia in dogs by damaging red blood cell membranes, which causes them to burst. Because red blood cells carry oxygen in the body, dogs who do not have enough of them will try to make up for the lost oxygen content by pumping their hearts faster.
This causes a dangerously elevated respiratory rate. Anemia is a very serious condition if left untreated.
One good thing about chives is that they are very small, so dogs have to eat much more chives than any of the other members of the Allium family to see negative effects. Still, any amount of chive consumption is worth a call to the vet.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Chives?
If you suspect your dog has eaten chives, call your vet. A small amount of chives — a couple of springs — will most likely not harm your pup. An entire bunch of chives is much more worrisome, and your pup may be at risk for anemia.
Chive poisoning may not present for a couple of days, so don’t wait for the onset of symptoms to get in touch with your vet.
If your pup ate a very small amount of chives, your vet will most likely tell you to keep an eye on your furry friend. Symptoms to watch out for include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, lethargy, and drooling.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten chives? Did they feel sick afterward? Let us know in the comments below.
