Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

At a BBQ, my 15 kg dog quickly snatched a chip with green onion dip from a low table — is this an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, you should contact your vet or a poison control line promptly. Green onions are toxic to dogs, damaging their red blood cells and potentially causing anemia. The amount in a dip can vary, but combined with the fat and other ingredients, it warrants a call. Signs like weakness, pale gums, or red urine may not appear for a few days, so don't wait to see if he seems fine now. Provide your vet with his weight and an estimate of how much he might have eaten.

Green onions (scallions) — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Toxic, same family as onion and garlic. Damages red blood cells and causes anemia that can appear days later.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Green onions (scallions) should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Garlic and onion damage a pet's red blood cells and can bring on anaemia. Signs are often delayed for several days, so looking fine straight afterwards does not rule it out.

Green onions (scallions) has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Green onions (scallions) food facts page.

Open the full food page: Green onions (scallions) food facts →