can dogs eat garlic

Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Main Toxicity Concerns & Info

Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Main Toxicity Concerns & Info

There are many foods that are healthy for humans but harmful to dogs, so you need to be careful about what you give your canine companion to eat. Many dog owners are unsure of the toxicity of garlic because of the ongoing debate regarding whether or not garlic is toxic to dogs. In the past, some people have touted garlic as being beneficial to the digestive system and even as a dewormer for dogs. So, can dogs eat garlic?

Garlic, which is a member of the Allium family, is toxic to dogs, particularly when it is consumed in a powdered form like that which is found in seasonings. Poisoning from garlic causes significant harm to the red blood cells, as well as discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract and difficulties breathing.

It is a common misconception that it is okay to give a small amount of garlic to a dog because of the positive effects it has on human health; however, this is not a safe practice under any circumstances. Garlic is metabolized at a different rate by dogs, and some dogs are more sensitive to its effects than others. Garlic should never be given to a dog, and if you have any reason to believe that your dog has consumed any amount of garlic, you should take them to the vet immediately.

bowl of garlic cloves

Is Garlic Toxic To Dogs?

Garlic poisoning is a potentially fatal condition that can develop in dogs when they consume large amounts of garlic. Raw garlic is a member of the allium family, which also includes onions, shallots, chives, and leeks. While eating raw garlic has nutritional benefits for humans, it is not recommended for dogs to do so due to the potential for a negative reaction.

Garlic presents a great health risk for dogs. There are some dog breeds that are more susceptible to the toxic effects of garlic, particularly smaller dogs. Anemia can develop in dogs as a result of the thiosulfate content of garlic, which causes damage to the red blood cells. Dogs who consume a large quantity of whole cloves of garlic are at risk of garlic toxicity.

How Much Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs?

The allium family includes garlic, which is among the most poisonous of its members for dogs. Even doses as low as 5 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight have been found to be toxic to dogs. Garlic's potential toxicity can be increased if it is consumed in lower quantities for a shorter period of time.

It is important to keep in mind that a clove of garlic only weighs about 5 grams on average, which means that the majority of dogs would have to consume a significant amount of garlic before they would experience any negative effects. Of course, every dog is unique, and it's possible that your furry friend is more sensitive than the average dog.

Garlic powder has a much higher potency level compared to fresh garlic. Keep this in mind. This can be found in a variety of products, including soup mixes and seasoning packets. Therefore, even if your dog only consumes a small amount of garlic, you should get in touch with a veterinarian just to be on the safe side.

grey dog licking his lips

Symptoms Of Garlic Toxicity In Dogs

Garlic toxicity in dogs is a potentially life-threatening condition. In the event that it is not treated in a timely manner, the condition of your dog may rapidly deteriorate; therefore, it is essential that you are aware of the signs. Watch your dog for the following signs & symptoms:
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Rapid Breathing
  • Pale Gums
  • Jaundice
  • Dark Urine
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Your dog's ability to transport oxygen to all of their body's cells will decrease as their red blood cells are destroyed. This is because your dog will have fewer red blood cells. This explains the symptoms that your dog may be experiencing. It's also possible that your dog is trying to make up for it by breathing quickly in an effort to get more oxygen into their lungs, which can account for the rapid breathing. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian right away.

Garlic Toxicity Treatment For Dogs

Garlic poisoning can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, laboratory tests, and a medical history review. In order to determine whether or not your dog has been poisoned by garlic, a number of diagnostic procedures will be carried out on your dog.

small dog at veterinarian after eating garlic


If your dog has recently consumed garlic, the most important treatment he or she will need is to get rid of the toxin in their body. This can be done by making them vomit and giving them activated charcoal. The charcoal will bind to the poison, which will assist in the elimination of the toxin and the detoxification process.

If that doesn't work, the veterinarian will most likely admit your dog to the hospital and perform a flush to rid the toxins out of your dog's digestive system. Additionally, intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy are typically given to patients. If the anemia is severe, the veterinarian may need to perform a blood transfusion as part of the treatment.

Talk about providing the necessary care for your dog in the comfort of your own home before your dog returns home. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with information regarding the dietary needs that will assist in a speedy recovery. Depending on the severity of your dog's poisoning, there may be restrictions placed on his or her physical activity for the first few days or weeks.

peeled garlic cloves

Review: Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

Garlic is a member of the Allium plant family, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives among its other members. While the consumption of these foods by humans may not pose any health risks, the same cannot be said for dogs. Vegetables in the allium family contain compounds that are toxic to dogs and can lead to a variety of serious health issues.

These compounds, if consumed, have the potential to damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Garlic poisoning can be fatal in particularly severe cases. Garlic can cause a variety of adverse effects in canines, including nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and even trouble breathing, if your dog consumes excessive amounts. It is imperative that you get in touch with a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible if you discover that your dog has consumed any garlic.

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