The smell of garlic might make you hungry, but it’s bad for dogs. Garlic and onions have a toxic compound called thiosulfate1. This can harm your dog’s red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia.
If your dog eats garlic, it can get very sick. They might feel tired, weak, and have pale gums1. They could also breathe fast, turn yellow, and have stomach problems like vomiting and diarrhea1. Dehydration and feeling down are also signs they need help fast.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic and other allium plants are highly toxic to dogs, causing oxidative damage to red blood cells.
- Symptoms of garlic poisoning include lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening complications.
- All forms of garlic, including raw, cooked, and powdered, can be harmful to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Smaller dogs are more susceptible to garlic toxicity, and certain breeds like Shibas and Akitas may be more vulnerable.
- Contacting a veterinarian immediately is crucial, as prompt treatment is essential for a positive outcome.
Is Garlic Safe for Dogs?
Garlic is good for people but not for dogs. It has a toxic compound called thiosulfate. This can harm dogs’ red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia2.
Garlic Toxicity and Thiosulfate
Even a little garlic can hurt dogs2. A clove weighs 3 to 7 grams2. Just 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of dog weight can cause blood issues2.
Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
Garlic poisoning in dogs can be mild or severe2. Signs include pale gums, fast breathing, and feeling weak2. Dogs may also have yellow skin, dark urine, and stomach problems2.
Always talk to a vet before giving your dog new foods2. While garlic poisoning is rare, quick vet care is key for your dog’s health.
How Much Garlic Is Toxic to Dogs?
Garlic is good for people but bad for dogs if they eat too much. Studies say 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of dog weight can harm them3. A small dog, like a 6 lb Chihuahua, could get sick from eating 40-80 grams of garlic4.
A clove of garlic weighs 3 to 7 grams. So, a dog would need to eat a lot to get sick. But, some dogs are more sensitive to garlic. Eating a toxic dose over a few days can also cause problems3.
Garlic has a toxic compound called thiosulfate. It can cause serious anemia in dogs4. If a dog eats garlic and shows signs of anemia, like being tired or having dark urine, call a vet right away4.
| Dog Size | Toxic Dose of Garlic |
|---|---|
| 6 lb Chihuahua | 40-80 grams |
| 10 lb Dog | 67-135 grams |
| 30 lb Dog | 204-408 grams |
| 50 lb Dog | 330-660 grams |
Garlic poisoning symptoms can take days to show in dogs. Vets may give IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, or blood transfusions4. Even small amounts of garlic can be risky for pets. It’s best to keep garlic away from dogs4.
“Garlic is listed by the FDA as approved for pet food, despite historical concerns. While garlic is known as a beneficial herb, it was previously associated with potential harm to dogs due to a 2000 study, later responded to by a 2004 follow-up study that recommended garlic for dogs.”3
Can I Feed My Dog Garlic Bread?
Garlic bread might look tasty for your dog, but it’s not safe. Garlic is very bad for dogs and can harm them even in small amounts5. Dogs should not eat human food, especially things with garlic, because it can hurt their blood cells5.
Risks of Feeding Garlic Bread to Dogs
Garlic bread has lots of butter, oil, cheese, and seasonings. These can make a dog’s stomach upset6. One slice of garlic bread can have 6g of fat, which is bad for dogs6.
The garlic in bread is the biggest problem. It can damage a dog’s red blood cells6. Even a little garlic can hurt, and how bad it is depends on the dog6.
Dogs can get sick from garlic bread. They might feel tired, have belly pain, or throw up5. They could also have diarrhea, drool, pant a lot, or feel weak5. These signs can show up hours or weeks after they eat garlic6.
So, it’s best not to give garlic bread to dogs. It’s better to feed them a healthy, balanced diet5. This way, you can keep your dog safe and healthy without worrying about vet visits6.
Can I Give My Dog Garlic Supplements?
Garlic can be toxic to dogs, but some owners might think about giving it to them. They might want to use it for natural health or to keep fleas and ticks away. Yet, there’s no solid proof that garlic supplements are safe or work well for dogs. Before giving your dog garlic, talking to your vet is key7.
Garlic has good stuff like Allicin and Ajoene, and also vitamins and minerals7. These might help dogs in many ways, like stopping blood clots and fighting off infections7. But too much garlic can be bad8.
| Potential Benefits of Garlic for Dogs | Risks of Garlic Supplements for Dogs |
|---|---|
|
It’s important to give dogs the right amount of garlic. Too much can be harmful78. Always check with your vet to make sure your dog is safe78.
In short, garlic might have some benefits for dogs, but the risks are real. Always talk to your vet before adding garlic supplements to your dog’s routine78.
Treating Dog Eats Garlic Toxicity
Veterinary Care for Garlic Poisoning
If your dog eats a lot of garlic, get vet help fast9. Garlic poisoning is not usually deadly for dogs. But, they might need care to stay comfy and healthy.
Your vet might do a few things. They could make your dog vomit, give them special charcoal, and watch their blood910. They’ll also do blood tests and urine checks to see how bad it is9.
In bad cases, they might give blood transfusions10. Your vet might also give meds to stop vomiting and other symptoms9.
Most dogs get better from garlic poisoning if treated quickly10. But, some dogs might react differently to garlic10.
If you think your dog ate garlic, call a vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-66809. Quick action can really help your dog.
Healthy Alternatives to Garlic for Dogs
If you want to give your dog a tasty treat, look into dog-safe fruits and veggies. These natural foods are full of good stuff without the dangers of garlic.
Carrots are a great pick. They’re full of beta-carotene, which is good for your dog’s eyes, immune system, and skin. Plus, they’re crunchy, which helps clean their teeth and satisfies their chewing urge.11
- Apples are another great choice. They’re sweet, crisp, and full of antioxidants and fiber.
- Bananas are packed with potassium and can help if your dog’s stomach is upset.
- Blueberries are full of antioxidants and might even help older dogs think better.
For veggies, try giving your dog small bits of cooked sweet potato, green beans, or pumpkin. These treats are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your dog healthy11.
| Safe Foods for Dogs | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carrots | Beta-carotene, vision, immune system, skin health |
| Apples | Antioxidants, fiber |
| Bananas | Potassium, upset stomach relief |
| Blueberries | Antioxidants, cognitive function |
| Sweet Potatoes | Vitamins, minerals, fiber |
| Green Beans | Vitamins, minerals, fiber |
| Pumpkin | Vitamins, minerals, fiber |
Remember, start with small amounts of new foods to make sure your dog likes them. With a bit of creativity, you can give your dog yummy, healthy treats without the garlic risks11.
“Giving your dog a variety of healthy treats is a great way to show you care and support their health.”
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Garlic
Immediate Steps to Take
If your dog eats garlic, take away the garlic right away12. This stops them from eating more. Onions, garlic, and leeks are bad for dogs and cats12. Tell your vet how much garlic your dog ate and their weight.
Call your vet right away. They might tell you to make your dog vomit before you go in12. Signs of garlic poisoning include throwing up, diarrhea, and not wanting to eat. These can start in 24 hours or take a few days12. In bad cases, it can cause a blood disorder13.
Your vet might give your dog activated charcoal, fluids, and help with symptoms like throwing up or shaking12. Most dogs get better with quick vet care. But, it’s rare for them to have serious problems or die12.
It’s very important to get vet help fast if your dog eats garlic14. Even a little garlic can hurt them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry for your dog’s health.
Is Any Form of Garlic Dangerous for Dogs?
Yes, all garlic types are bad for dogs. This includes raw, cooked, powder, paste, pickled, liquid, and oil. The sulfur in garlic harms dogs’ red blood cells. Even a little garlic can upset a dog’s stomach. If not treated, it could be deadly.
A 2000 study by K W Lee et al. found dogs eating too much garlic got sick15. A 75 lb Golden Retriever could eat four heads of garlic, or 60 cloves15. A 10 lb dog could eat 23 grams, or 6 to 8 cloves, before showing signs15.
How much garlic is dangerous for a dog depends on its size16. A 6 lb Chihuahua risks harm with 40–80 grams, or 8–16 cloves16. A 100 lb dog could eat 680–1,360 grams, or 136–272 cloves16.
Symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs include anemia16. Dogs may feel tired, weak, and lose their appetite. They might breathe fast and have discolored fluids16. While most dogs survive, quick vet care is key to avoid lasting harm16.