Plants
Scientific name
Allium porrum
Alternate names
Allium, Alliaceae, chives, garlic, disulfides, thiosulfates, anemia, onions
Toxicity to pets
Leeks are part of the Allium family (which also includes onion, chives, and garlic) and are poisonous to dogs and cats. Garlic is considered to be about 5-times as potent as onion and leeks. Certain breeds and species are more sensitive, including cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (e.g., Akita, Shiba Inu). Toxic doses of leeks can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells (making them more likely to rupture) and GI upset (e.g., nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea). Other clinical signs of anemia can also occur including lethargy, pale gums, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and collapse. Signs of leek poisoning can be delayed and not apparent for several days.
Common signs to watch for:
anemia – lethargy, pale gums, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and collapse
