Anne (Chicago, Illinois) on 08/02/2007

Here's an excerpt from just one recent article about this:

http://www.edmondsun.com/features/local_story_205114633.html

"Some pets can develop a liking to the flavor or the aroma and become intoxicated.

"They contain an organosulfur compound that causes the toxicosis and is readily absorbed through the GI tract in pets. Cooking does not reduce the potential toxic effects unfortunately.

"The toxic mechanism of the onion involves oxidation or breakdown of the red blood cells. This, of course, results in a decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells. Ultimately there is an impaired delivery of oxygen to the tissues due to a severe anemia, or lack of red blood cells....

"Signs usually appear within a 24-hour period of consumption, but may occur out several days. Pets seem depressed, have shortness of breath, a rapid heart beat, seem weak and show intolerance to exercise and to cold. They may go off their food, have abdominal pain, diarrhea and their breath may smell of garlic....

"Whether or not your pet survives will depend upon how quickly supportive care and correction of the physiologic problems occurs. Stopping the source of exposure of course is a must, and getting a good and quick diagnosis is essential.

An excerpt from another link: http://www.petsbynature.com/Garlic.htm "In the last five years, more and more toxicity studies are being conducted on garlic and all seem to indicate that it, too, can pose serious health risks when fed to cats and dogs.