For centuries people have known that garlic has medicinal value. So it stands to reason that garlic is good for dogs too, but can dogs really eat garlic? Its safety depends on many factors.
In general, garlic is not safe for your dog. But let's find out why this is - and whether it's okay for your dog.
Garlic and its effects on dogs
Both sides of the garlic story
Some people will tell you that garlic is an excellent way to repel fleas and ticks. That may be true - it changes the smell of your dog's skin so fleas avoid it. But the studies are inconclusive on this point. Some dog parents say it works while others say it doesn't. Ultimately, you have to decide whether the benefits of using garlic outweigh the risks.
From a holistic perspective, the medicinal benefits of garlic for dogs are the same as for us humans. Garlic lowers cholesterol - which is good for overweight dogs - reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. However, the benefits depend entirely on the type of garlic and the dosage. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog garlic.
The traditional veterinary attitude towards garlic
One study examined the occurrence of hemolytic anemia in dogs given garlic extract. This study is controversial because only four dogs provided the data. Still, she concluded that garlic causes harmful changes in dogs' blood cells and that garlic is not safe for them.
Veterinarians and poison control organizations agree that garlic is not safe for dogs. The risks outweigh the benefits, so garlic or any other plant in the allium family is toxic enough to harm your dog or cat. (Cats are 6 times more likely to suffer from garlic poisoning than dogs!)
Let's look at why.
Garlic, or Allium Sativum
Garlic is a root vegetable from the Allium family. Onions, leeks and chives also belong to this family. They all contain an organic compound called n-propyl disulfide, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells and leads to hemolytic anemia. Garlic contains 5-10 times more of this compound than onions, leeks, chives or shallots.
We find this toxic compound in all parts of the Allium plants. Unfortunately, dogs (and cats) don't have the digestive enzymes to process them. Most of the time, undigested food components are excreted in the feces, but not thiosulphates. They stay in your dog's body and can even lodge there.
Thiosulfates attach to your dog's red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. When this happens, the red blood cells become damaged and form clumps called Heinz cells. The body mistakes the damaged cells for invaders and destroys them faster than your dog's body can produce new ones. We call this hemolysis, or the destruction of red blood cells.
Once this begins and remains uncontrolled, your dog will develop hemolytic anemia. Not enough oxygen is transported throughout the body to keep it functioning. Symptoms of anemia can appear quickly, but most often the first symptoms do not appear until a few days after consuming a toxic amount of garlic. Leftover food is the most common cause of garlic poisoning.
Signs of hemolytic anemia include:
- lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased endurance or even fainting after or during exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums and drooling
- Increased heart or breathing rate (rapid breathing)
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Discolored urine
A dog suffering from these symptoms needs immediate medical attention to avoid kidney failure or death. Although it is rare for dogs to die from eating garlic, Japanese breeds such as Shiba Inu, Pomeranian, Chin and Akita appear to be more susceptible to garlic poisoning. Here you can find out more about the plants in the Allium family.
How much garlic is safe for my dog?
All dogs eat human foods that they shouldn't eat, and garlic is on the list. While there is controversy, everyone agrees that the toxicity of garlic depends on the type and amount consumed. It also depends on the size and breed of the dog.
If you lean more towards a holistic view, you might consider daily amounts of raw garlic to be safe for your dog. These amounts of garlic provide:
- Preventive health benefits.
- They strengthen the immune system.
- They improve heart function.
- They protect against fleas and ticks.
- Reducing inflammation
Traditional veterinary medicine suggests that 15-30 grams of garlic per kg of body weight can trigger a harmful chain of events in your dog's body. A clove of garlic weighs about 3-7 grams, which is a large amount of garlic.
If your dog devours a piece of your garlic bread, the small amount of garlic on the bread probably won't cause your dog any discomfort other than gas. However, if this happens regularly or your dog eats a few cloves of garlic that he picked up from the counter, there could be problems.
What happens if a dog gets garlic poisoning?
Your vet will examine your dog for external signs. He will do many tests to check Heinz bodies, dehydration, kidney function and oxygen levels. It is vital that the dog's organs and body systems function. Some dogs require oxygen therapy. This allows the red blood cells that are still functioning to carry more oxygen with less effort. A vet can also give your dog a powerful antioxidant to protect red blood cells from damage caused by thiosulfates.
Depending on the severity of the anemia, fluid resuscitation and possibly a blood transfusion may be necessary. The same applies here: It is rare for dogs to die from garlic consumption. Still, immediate medical attention is essential if you suspect your little nibbler has swallowed more than a tiny amount - or if you notice symptoms.
Which dogs should avoid garlic and root vegetables?
Anemic Dogs: Dogs already diagnosed with weakness should avoid garlic and all members of the Allium vegetable family.
Japanese Dog Breeds: Japanese Chins, Akitas, Sheba Inu, and Pomeranians are all more susceptible to garlic toxicity or poisoning.
Dogs with Lupus: Lupus is a disease in which the dog's immune system attacks body tissues and organs. We don't think it's a dog disease, but it is.
Puppies: Puppies do not begin producing red blood cells until they are 6-8 weeks old. You should never give puppies garlic or other foods that contain allium vegetables.
What parts of garlic can dogs eat?
Can I feed my dog wild garlic, garlic powder or garlic oil?
Wild garlic is an allium root vegetable; all parts of the plant are poisonous. Garlic supplements are safer if you and your veterinarian have decided that your dog can benefit from a garlic supplement.
Whole versions of garlic - including garlic oil and powder - are more toxic to your dog than raw garlic.
Can I feed my dog garlic bread?
Garlic bread is sure to catch your dog's attention. In addition to garlic, it also typically contains large amounts of butter, oil, cheese, and herbs, which can upset your dog's stomach. This food also contains unnecessary calories and fat and provides no nutritional value to your pet.
Can I feed my dog garlic supplements?
Although garlic is known to be toxic, some websites and well-meaning dog owners recommend garlic supplements for dogs as part of a natural wellness plan or as a flea and tick preventative. This contradiction can be very confusing. In studies, garlic as a pet supplement has not yielded consistently positive results.
Although minimal doses are expected to be safe for most dogs, the lack of evidence and known risks should be taken into account. Before you decide to feed your four-legged friend garlic, you should always consult your veterinarian. Incorrect dosage can have toxic effects. That's why you should work with a veterinarian to develop the best treatment and prevention plan for your dog.
Alternatives to Garlic for Dogs
If you want to give your dog a healthy treat, you can feed small amounts of dog-safe fruits and vegetables that are rich in valuable nutrients. For example apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, carrots, cucumbers or sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
So can dogs eat garlic? Overall, garlic is not safe for dogs. Although garlic may have medicinal benefits, the dosage and type of garlic depends. The traditional veterinary stance on garlic is that it is not safe for dogs because it can cause hemolytic anemia. The organic compound called n-propyl disulfide, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, is found in all parts of the allium plants and is toxic enough to harm your dog. Although some dog parents say garlic is an excellent way to repel fleas and ticks, studies are inconclusive on this point. Ultimately, dog parents must decide whether the benefits of using garlic outweigh the risks. It's always best to speak to a veterinarian before giving your dog garlic to make sure it won't cause any harmful effects.
