Is Leek safe for dogs?

Yes, leeks are toxic to dogs. They belong to the Allium family and contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, causing gastrointestinal upset and potentially hemolytic anemia. Any part of the plant is dangerous, and this includes cooked leeks or dishes seasoned with them.

Initial signs appear within 24 hours and include drooling, oral irritation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The more dangerous delayed signs — which can appear days to about a week later — are anemia-related: lethargy, pale gums, rapid heart and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and dark or bloody urine.

Remove any remaining leek and estimate how much was eaten and when. Do not induce vomiting at home — your vet or poison control will direct decontamination based on dose and timing. Call a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately, even for small amounts, because toxic dose depends on your dog's body weight and symptoms can be delayed by several days.

GI symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can appear within 24 hours, but the more serious complication — hemolytic anemia from red blood cell damage — is delayed and may not show up for several days to about a week after ingestion. Because of this delay, bloodwork follow-up is common even when a dog initially appears fine.