Dogs Eating Garlic: What You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 29, 2024

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Garlic can be toxic to dogs, causing damage to their red blood cells and leading to anemia.

The smallest amount of garlic can cause harm, with even a small clove being enough to cause symptoms in some dogs.

Dogs are more sensitive to garlic than humans due to their smaller body size and faster metabolism.

Symptoms of garlic toxicity in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Toxicity and Safety

Dogs can be sensitive to garlic due to its potential to cause anemia and oxidative damage to red blood cells.

It takes a significant amount of garlic to cause problems, with one study suggesting 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight is toxic.

The average clove of supermarket garlic weighs between 3 and 7 grams, so a dog would need to eat a lot to get really sick.

Some dogs, such as Akitas and Shiba Inus, are more sensitive to garlic toxicity than others, and consumption of a toxic dose spread out over a few days could also cause problems.

Fortunately, garlic toxicity is rarely fatal in dogs, and supportive care from a veterinarian can help keep them comfortable.

For another approach, see: Does Tap Water Cause Tear Stains in Dogs

Overview of Toxicity

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Garlic toxicity in dogs is a real concern, but it's not as simple as just saying "no garlic ever." Garlic contains thiosulphate, a chemical that can cause anemia in dogs, shortening the life of their red blood cells.

It takes a lot of garlic to cause problems, though - we're talking about 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of a dog's body weight. That's equivalent to 13 average-sized garlic cloves for a 10-pound dog.

Garlic toxicity can cause symptoms like pale mucous membranes, rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, and dark urine, as well as gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, and dehydration.

In severe cases, dogs may need supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medication to deal with vomiting. In extreme cases, blood transfusions might even be necessary.

If your dog accidentally eats something with garlic, they'll probably be okay, but intentionally feeding garlic to your dog is a bad idea.

Drug Interactions

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Garlic can interact with certain medications, so it's essential to be aware of these potential interactions.

If your dog takes blood pressure drugs, it's best to consult with a holistic veterinarian before feeding them garlic.

Garlic can also interact with insulin, which can affect your dog's blood sugar levels.

Chemotherapy drugs and immune suppressants are another two medications that can interact with garlic.

Antacids, blood thinners, and heart medications are also affected by garlic consumption.

Here are some medications that can interact with garlic:

  • •Blood pressure drugs
  • •Insulin
  • •Chemotherapy drugs
  • •Immune suppressants
  • •Antacids
  • •Blood thinners
  • •Heart medications

If your dog is taking any of these medications, it's best to consult with a holistic veterinarian before feeding them garlic.

Is Safe?

Fresh raw garlic is safe for most dogs to eat in small amounts. However, it's essential to be aware of certain exceptions.

Shiba Inus and Akitas may react differently to garlic, so it's best to consult a holistic veterinarian before feeding them garlic.

On a similar theme: Garlic Powder for Dogs in Food

Preparation and Forms

To prepare garlic for your dog, it's essential to use fresh raw garlic. This is because other types of garlic, like dehydrated or jarred garlic, are much more potent and can make your dog sick.

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You should peel and chop, mince, or crush fresh garlic about 10 minutes before adding it to your dog's food. This helps to maximize the medicinal benefits of the garlic.

If you're looking to introduce garlic to your dog's diet, it's recommended to use fresh and organic garlic. Avoid canned or processed garlic, as they can contain preservatives that are not good for your dog.

To get the most out of garlic for your dog, try to use it within 10 minutes of peeling. Jarred peeled and chopped garlic, on the other hand, provides no medicinal qualities.

Variable Quantity

Most dogs can have small amounts of fresh garlic, but it's essential to be mindful of the quantity.

Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, Shiba Inus, Akitas, and dogs with certain medical conditions should not have any garlic unless discussed with a holistic vet.

The key is to keep the amount small, as excessive garlic consumption can be detrimental to your furry friend's health.

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Raw garlic is also acceptable in small amounts, but be cautious not to overdo it.

It's best to avoid garlic salt altogether, as it's more concentrated than fresh garlic and contains salt and other ingredients that may harm dogs.

Garlic powder is another no-go, as it's much more potent than fresh garlic and can make dogs sick.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a vet if you're unsure about the safety of garlic for your dog.

Forms of Garlic

There are several forms of garlic, each with its own unique characteristics and potential risks for dogs. One of the most common types is the Elephant garlic, which is known for its mild flavor and large size.

Some forms of garlic, like the Elephant garlic, are safer to feed to dogs than others.

Garlic can be classified into different types based on its size, flavor, and growth habits.

Some forms of garlic are more potent than others, with a stronger flavor and aroma. The Elephant garlic, for example, has a milder flavor compared to other types.

Some forms of garlic, like the Elephant garlic, are often used in cooking due to their mild flavor and size.

The Preparation

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Preparation is key when it comes to giving garlic to your dog. You want to use fresh raw garlic for the best results.

First, choose fresh and organic garlic to avoid preservatives. Canned or processed garlic is not a good option.

Peel the garlic and then mince, chop, or crush it. Use the peeled garlic within 10 minutes to maximize the medicinal benefits. Jarred peeled and chopped garlic provides no medicinal qualities.

To introduce garlic to your dog's food, start by adding it slowly and increasing the dose over days. This will help your dog get used to the taste of garlic.

Some garlic forms should be avoided altogether, such as dehydrated or jarred garlic, which are too potent and may make your dog sick.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to prepare garlic for your dog:

  • Use fresh and organic garlic
  • Peel and mince, chop, or crush the garlic
  • Use the peeled garlic within 10 minutes
  • Introduce garlic to your dog's food slowly

Daily Food Intake

You want to make sure your dog is getting the right amount of garlic in their diet, but it's easy to overdo it. Too much garlic can be toxic, so it's essential to start small and increase the dose gradually.

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If you're using cloves, you can follow the recommendations from Juliette de Bairacli Levy's book, which suggests:

Alternatively, you can use measuring spoons to add garlic to your dog's diet. The recommended dose is:

  • 5 pounds: ⅙ tsp
  • 10 pounds: ⅓ tsp
  • 15 pounds: ½ tsp
  • 20 pounds: ⅔ tsp
  • 30 pounds: 1 tsp

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose to see how your dog reacts.

Uses

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Having a clear and concise preparation form can save time and reduce errors in the long run.

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Preparation and Forms can also be used to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, such as in a meeting agenda form.

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This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and aware of the discussion topics and action items.

Effective preparation and forms can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in both personal and professional settings.

In a personal budget form, individuals can track their income and expenses, making it easier to manage their finances and stay within their means.

Preparation and Forms can also be used to evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed, such as in a project evaluation form.

This helps identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

By using preparation and forms, individuals and teams can achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently.

In a survey form, researchers can collect data and gather feedback from a large number of people, providing valuable insights for decision-making.

Repellent

Feeding your dog garlic can help repel fleas and ticks, but only if you don't wash your dog very often.

You should start feeding your dog garlic two weeks before flea and tick season starts, and again after you wash your dog.

Feed your dog an appropriate amount of garlic every day for two weeks, then switch to twice-weekly feedings for a maintenance dose throughout the season.

Feeding Options

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When considering garlic supplements for your dog, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.

Garlic as a health supplement for pets has not produced consistently positive results in studies.

Before deciding to feed your pup a garlic supplement, always consult your veterinarian.

Giving an incorrect dose could have toxic effects, so plan on working with a veterinarian to come up with the best health plan for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods are toxic to dogs?

Dogs should avoid eating foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, and certain seeds and pits, as they can be toxic. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance

Edwin Grimes

Senior Assigning Editor

Edwin Grimes is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, Edwin has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. Edwin's areas of expertise include canine diet and nutrition, where he has successfully overseen the development of numerous articles and series.