A dog named Snoopy was hospitalized after ingesting a significant amount of cooking oil infused with garlic and onion seasonings. This incident occurred just before Thanksgiving, highlighting the potential dangers of certain holiday foods for pets. Kiana Sutherlin, Snoopy’s owner, was cooking chicken wings when the mishap took place.
Sutherlin had added several ounces of both onion and garlic powder to the frying oil. After cooking, she covered the pan and left it on the stovetop, believing it to be out of Snoopy’s reach. However, her husband, Joe, received a phone call the next day that distracted him. During this brief moment, Snoopy seized the opportunity to lick up the oil, which contained a concentrated mix of the harmful seasonings.
“Joe left the kitchen for a few minutes to take a call, and Snoopy swooped in,” Sutherlin recounted. This led to a dramatic turn of events as Snoopy began vomiting shortly afterward. Concerned for her pet’s health, Sutherlin contacted the emergency veterinarian and was advised to reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline.
According to Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, “Onions and garlic can be deadly to pets if ingested in a large enough quantity, with garlic being five times as potent.” The used cooking oil, which Snoopy consumed, was particularly dangerous due to its concentration of seasonings.
Upon contacting the Pet Poison Helpline, Sutherlin provided details about the ingredients used. Based on Snoopy’s symptoms and weight, the toxicology experts recommended immediate veterinary care. Consequently, Sutherlin took Snoopy to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Emergency Treatment and Recovery
At the hospital, veterinarians evaluated Snoopy for various risks associated with his ingestion of the oil. They were particularly concerned about potential aspiration, gastrointestinal upset, and the risk of pancreatitis. Additionally, the ingestion of garlic and onion powders posed a threat of red blood cell damage.
To stabilize Snoopy, the medical team administered an anti-emetic to control his vomiting, fluid therapy for rehydration, and gastrointestinal protectants to mitigate irritation. They also scheduled bloodwork to monitor his red blood cell count for the following week.
Thanks to prompt and effective treatment, Snoopy made a full recovery and has returned to his usual energetic self. “No matter what we do, it’s his way, so we had to change our habits,” Sutherlin remarked. The incident has led her family to secure their garbage and clean up immediately after cooking.
Pet Poison Helpline has initiated a program called Toxin Tails to raise awareness about potential poisoning dangers for pets in homes. This initiative aims to educate both the veterinary community and pet owners about the risks associated with various substances.
About Pet Poison Helpline
Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week resource for pet owners and veterinary professionals dealing with potential poisoning emergencies. Founded in Minneapolis, it is recognized nationally and is licensed by the Boards of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Pharmacy. The service charges a fee of $89 per incident, which includes follow-up consultations.
Pet owners can reach Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for immediate assistance, and further information is available on their website at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. The organization emphasizes the importance of being proactive in pet safety, especially during holiday seasons when certain foods pose significant risks.
