Snoopy, a big Bloodhound from Minnesota, used his tracking skills to hunt down a pan full of potentially poisonous grease.
A dog’s mischief led to a serious health scare when he ingested cooking oil seasoned with garlic and onion powder, resulting in an emergency visit to a veterinary hospital. On November 5, 2025, Kiana Sutherlin from Minneapolis recounted the incident involving her dog, Snoopy, who is known for his counter-surfing antics.
While preparing fried chicken wings, Sutherlin added substantial amounts of garlic and onion powder to enhance the flavor. After cooking, she placed the pan of used oil out of Snoopy’s reach, believing she had secured the kitchen. However, when her husband, Joe, stepped away to take a phone call, Snoopy seized the opportunity. According to Sutherlin, “When he got back, he found the dog had licked up almost all the oil, which contained a large amount of the seasoning.”
Shortly after consuming the oil, Snoopy began to vomit. Concerned for his wellbeing, Sutherlin contacted an emergency veterinarian, who advised her 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 combination of cooking oil and concentrated seasonings posed a significant risk to Snoopy’s health.
Upon reaching out to the Pet Poison Helpline, Sutherlin provided detailed information about the ingredients and quantities used. Based on this information, the experts recommended immediate veterinary care for Snoopy, leading Sutherlin to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
Sutherlin explained, “Because we had called Pet Poison Helpline in advance, they were able to develop a recommended treatment plan that was ready by the time we got to the hospital.” At the veterinary facility, the team assessed Snoopy for risks associated with aspiration, gastrointestinal upset, and potential pancreatitis due to the consumed oil.
Blood tests were also recommended to monitor any damage to Snoopy’s red blood cells from the garlic and onion. Treatment included anti-emetics to alleviate vomiting, fluid therapy for hydration, and gastrointestinal protectants to minimize irritation. Fortunately, Snoopy responded well and made a full recovery.
Reflecting on the incident, Sutherlin emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “We make sure all garbage is secure and we clean up right after we cook.” The experience was so traumatic that they have avoided frying food since.
Pet Poison Helpline aims to educate pet owners about potential poisoning dangers through its Toxin Tails initiative, which highlights cases of pets who have successfully recovered from poisoning incidents. The helpline offers 24-hour support to pet owners and veterinary professionals, providing critical guidance during emergencies.
For more information, pet owners can visit Pet Poison Helpline’s website or reach them directly at 800-213-6680. The service operates as an independent, nationally recognized animal poison control center, offering cost-effective solutions for emergency pet care.
