Peter Drake1d ago

Are red currants safe for dogs? Someone wants to put such a plant in my backyard as part of a study on hummingbirds.

A quick web search finds several sites claiming they're highly toxic and several claiming they're perfectly safe. Which ones are slop? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Dammit, Jim, I'm a computer scientist, not a veterinarian!

#DogsOfMastodon #toxicology #gardening #slopocalypse

Show threadCecilia | MeraOrd1d ago
@peterdrake Seems like different people mean different plants when they talk about currants. I have had dogs for 25+ years, and have had currant bushes (black, white, red) for just as long - I've never had a dog interested in the bushes nor the berries, and never had any trouble with them. I highly doubt you would have any problem.
Show threaddragonfrog1d ago

@meraord @peterdrake
Pet safety of foods is such a frustrating thing to figure out!

Onions are toxic to dogs - OK, fine, is that "if your Chihuahua frequently eats half a fried onion that's not great for its kidneys in the long run so maybe find something else it likes to use as a treat" or "a few pieces of 1/2 cm diced onion fell off the counter and your great Dane ate them? Don't finish making supper, get them to the vet now!"

Show threadCecilia | MeraOrd
@dragonfrog @peterdrake Onions seem to be VERY toxic to dogs, so are grapes. I found some information on an american veterinary site:
Apr 2 at 4:39pmWeb
Show threaddragonfrog1d ago
@meraord @peterdrake
That is so much more useful than anything I've found! Quantities as percentage of body weight, specific symptoms! If you can share the link to that site I'd appreciate it.
Show threadCecilia | MeraOrd1d ago
@dragonfrog @peterdrake Sure, it is from the Garden state veterinary services: https://www.gsvs.org/woodbridge-nj/blog/onion-toxicity-dogs-emergency/
Onion Toxicity in Dogs: Emergency Guide to How Much Is Too Much

How much onion is toxic to dogs? As little as 0.5% of body weight can cause harm—just one medium onion may be dangerous for a 40-pound dog.

Garden State Veterinary Services Woodbridge