Can Dogs Eat Garlic? No - Learn the Dangers Here!

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Safely?

No, do not give your dog garlic!

Garlic can make dogs sick and sometimes even kill them. You should never give your dog human food that is leftover from dinner because it may be cooked with garlic.

“Can dogs eat garlic and onions?”

Garlic might be good for us, but dogs have a different metabolism than people. There is a chemical in garlic and other onions that makes them dangerous to dogs but not people.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread?

No!

Garlic bread will almost definitely catch your dog's attention. But garlic is not good for dogs and it contains butter, oils, and cheese that can upset their stomachs. And it is not healthy for them either because of the calories and fat.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Supplements?

Some websites recommend giving dogs garlic even though it is toxic. This can be confusing.

In studies, garlic as a health supplement for pets has not been good for them. It might be safe only in small doses, but it is still risky. So do not give your pet any garlic.

Only give garlic supplements to your dog if you have talked with your veterinarian. Giving the wrong dose could make it poisonous, so talk with your vet before giving it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Powder?

“Can Dogs Eat Garlic Seasoning?”

Garlic is poisonous to dogs. It could be in the form of powder or pieces. Any kind of garlic seasoning is toxic to dogs. Japanese dogs seem to be more affected than other types of dogs, but it's not clear why.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Oil?

No! Garlic oil is relatively more toxic to dogs. In the alternate forms, the harmful components of garlic become accelerated and the saturated fats are additionally harmful as well.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Butter?

No, dogs should not eat garlic butter. Garlic is harmful in the first place, the added fats make it worse. High amounts of fat can cause severe stomach problems. Pancreatitis can be mild (just throwing up, having diarrhea) or very severe.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Chicken?

No, dogs can’t eat garlic chicken. It can cause problems for pets. Garlic is about 5 times more powerful than onion and leeks. A lot of garlic will make your pet sick because it's so strong.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Sauce?

No, Garlic in any form can be dangerous for dogs. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, or even death if they eat a lot of it. Garlic sauce can also have additional ingredients and salts that can be more fatal for your pup.

Why is Garlic Dangerous for Dogs?

“Why can’t dogs eat garlic?”

Garlic is a root vegetable, but it is part of the allium family. Alliums are onions, leeks and chives too. They all contain an organic compound called n-propyl disulfide which causes red blood cells to break down and leads to anemia.

Garlic contains 5-10 times more of this compound than other types of alliums.

We find this toxic compound in all parts of allium plants. Unfortunately for dogs (and cats), they don't have the right enzyme to eat it.

Most food gets pooped out, but not this one. It can stay around and cause trouble in your dog's body. It can even build up if it stays there too much!

Thiosulfates attach to your dog's red blood cells. This makes them weak. As a result, the body destroys these cells faster than they can be made again. This is called hemolysis or when the red blood cells are being destroyed too fast.

Signs of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs

Once this starts, if not checked, your dog will have hemolytic anemia. It means the dog doesn't have enough oxygen to keep it going. Symptoms of anemia can show up quickly or after a few days.

Signs of hemolytic anemia are:

• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased stamina or even fainting after or during exercise
• Loss of appetite
• Pale gums and drooling
• Elevated heart rate or respiratory rates (rapid breathing)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of coordination (ataxia)
• Discolored urine

What Kind of Dogs Should Avoid Garlic Completely?

Following kinds of dogs need to avoid garlic completely:

• Anemic Dogs: Dogs who are anemic should not eat garlic. It can make them even more ill, as garlic causes haemolytic anemia.
• Japanese Dogs: Japanese breeds like Chins, Akita, Sheba Inu and Spitz are more likely to get poisoned from garlic because the genes in their bodies make them more sensitive to it.
• Dogs with Lupus: Dogs can get Lupus, which is a disease that causes the dog’s immune system to attack body tissues and organs. We often think of Lupus as just a person's disease, but it can happen to dogs too.
• Puppies: Puppies are 6-8 weeks old before they start making red blood cells. You should never give puppies garlic, or any food containing allium vegetables.

How Much Garlic Is Toxic for Dogs?

Studies have found that it takes 15 to 30 grams of garlic for a human to get sick. This is the same amount as 3-7 cloves from a supermarket. If you give your dog more than that, they might get very sick.

Dogs are different and some dogs can eat more garlic than others without getting sick. If you give them a toxic dose over a few days, they will also get very sick.

Safe Quantities of Garlic for Dogs

When dogs eat things they should not, like garlic, it can be dangerous. The type, size, and body weight of the dog will determine how dangerous.

Dr. Pitcairn from the book "The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" says that there is a daily limit of fresh garlic. This is:

• 10 to 15 pounds: 0.5 clove
• 20 to 40 pounds: 1 clove
• 45 to 70 pounds: 2 cloves
• 75 to 90 pounds: 2.5 cloves
• 100 pounds +: 3 cloves

Traditional medicine says that if you give your dog 15-30 grams of garlic, it can make them sick. But a clove of garlic is only 3-7 grams.

Treating Garlic Toxicity in Dogs

If your dog eats a lot of garlic, take him to the veterinarian. Few dogs get sick from eating too much garlic and onion. They might need supportive care.

After the vet examines your dog, they will run tests to see if there are Heinz bodies (tiny blood clots), dehydration, kidney function, and oxygen levels.

It is important to keep your dog's organs and body systems functioning. If they need oxygen, doctors will give them external oxygen. Oxygen helps red blood cells do their job better. They might also get other stuff like powerful antioxidants to help the red blood cells fight off damage from thiosulfates.

If your dog eats garlic, they might need IV fluids and a blood transfusion. It is rare for dogs to die because of the garlic. But if your dog ate many pieces of garlic, or has symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, they need to see a doctor right away.

The Other Side of the Garlic Story

Some people say that garlic is good for getting rid of fleas and ticks. But research does not show this to be true. Some people say it works, others say it does not.

“What are the benefits of garlic for dogs?”

Garlic has some benefits for humans and dogs. It can help with things like lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure. But you need to talk to your vet first before giving your dog any garlic because it depends on the type of garlic and how much you give.

The benefits of using garlic are not greater than the risks. You need to decide if you want to use garlic or not because there are very less benefits that come from using it.

Alternatives to Garlic for Dogs

If you want to give your dog a healthy treat, feed him fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins. Have apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, carrots and cucumbers on hand.

Garlic - A NO NO for your Fluffy Friend!

All members of the allium family including onions and raw garlic are toxic for dogs. This is because they damage the red blood cells carrying oxygen in your dog’s body. If you see your dog eating garlic you should call pet poison helpline and claim pet insurance if needed!

A furry friend will bring so much joy and companionship to your life.

If you're ready to get an Emotional Support Animal, get started today by getting an ESA dog letter from your mental health professional.

With this ESA letter, you can start living with the furry companion of your dreams!