Can dog's eat... Garlic?

The short answer is no – dogs can’t eat garlic. Garlic, and any other plants from the allium family, can be toxic to dogs.

Garlic is particularly potent, being 3-5 times more toxic than onion to animals. All forms of garlic are toxic, including dried, powdered, cooked or raw. Dried or powdered forms are very concentrated, giving a higher risk of poisoning.

Allium species of plants have sulphur-containing oxidants which are released by chopping, cooking
or chewing, as well as the action of microbes in your pet’s digestive tract. These oxidant compounds are absorbed, leading to oxidative damage to red blood cells. Rupture and destruction of the red blood cells occurs, which is known as haematolytic anaemia.

A reduction of red blood cells circulating in the body can cause serious issues for your pet. The red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to organs and tissues. An animal that is severely anaemic will become weak and could collapse. Kidney damage can occur in affected dogs, and they may even die.

Large amounts of garlic could cause symptoms with 24 hours, but if smaller amounts are ingested, then symptoms may not be noticed for up to a week.

It’s also worth noting that cats and some Japanese dogs are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of garlic e.g. Shiba Inus, Akitas and Japanese Chin.

##Can dogs eat food with garlic?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat foods with garlic. This includes garlic bread, sausages seasoned with garlic and pasta dishes. While small amounts of garlic may not cause symptoms in some individuals, it is still very unwise to give your pet these foods.

#Can dogs eat wild garlic?

Wild garlic is also toxic to dogs, so you must discourage your pet from chewing the plant or digging up bulbs while you are out walking. Fence off or remove any garlic plants from your garden.

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#What are the symptoms of garlic toxicity?

As previously mentioned, symptoms of garlic toxicity may be delayed. It could take a few days for your pet to develop the following signs:

• Pale gums
• Lethargy
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Reduced appetite
• Weakness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Stomach upsets, e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Changes in thirst
• Changes in urination
• Collapse

Don’t wait until the symptoms develop. If you know your dog has accidentally eaten garlic, then call a vet immediately.

#My dog’s eaten garlic, what should I do?

If your dog has eaten garlic, do the following:

• Remove any remaining garlic or garlic-containing food from your pet so that they cannot continue consuming it.
• Try and work out roughly how much garlic your pet may have eaten.
• Call your vet straight away.
• Follow your vet’s advice, which may mean taking your pet in for an examination and treatment.

To prevent accidents in the future, always keep garlic well out of reach – remember that some dogs can reach countertops or open cupboards. You must also securely dispose of any food or leftovers seasoned with garlic. Put them straight into a bin that your dog can’t access.

#Treatment of garlic toxicity

Your vet will advise you on the best treatment options for your dog. Treatment may depend on how recently your pet has eaten the garlic and whether they are showing any clinical signs of toxicity.

• The vet will usually start by examining your dog, looking for issues like pale gums and a fast heart rate.
• If your pet has eaten the garlic in the last couple of hours, the vet may recommend inducing vomiting. This helps to stop the garlic from being further digested and absorbed. Your dog may also be given activated charcoal too, which can help to prevent any further absorption.
• Blood and urine tests may be performed to look for signs of anaemia or kidney damage.
• Some dogs may need to be hospitalised for intravenous fluids (a drip) and observation.
• Depending on their symptoms, they could require medication to help with nausea or seizures. A blood transfusion may be needed in some cases.

Most dogs recover well from garlic or onion poisoning, provided they receive prompt veterinary care.

##Is garlic okay for dogs in small amounts?

Reported levels of toxicity vary greatly between sources. We know that it depends on several factors, including your dog’s size and individual sensitivity to garlic, as well as what form of garlic was consumed and how much. So, it is always best to give your vet a call if your dog has eaten any garlic so that they can assess the situation.

##How long does it take for a dog to show signs of garlic poisoning?

Symptom onset varies depending on how much garlic was consumed and your pet’s sensitivity to it. A large amount of garlic could cause symptoms in 24 hours, whereas smaller amounts may not cause symptoms for several days.

##How do I get garlic out of my dog’s system?

Never try to induce vomiting in your dog. This could be dangerous and may not be effective. If your dog has accidentally eaten garlic, then you must contact a vet immediately.

##Does garlic treat fleas?

There is no evidence that garlic treats fleas, and it should never be given to dogs for this purpose. Stick to veterinary approved flea treatments which have proven safety and efficacy.

#Conclusion - can dogs eat garlic?

Hopefully, we’ve covered all your garlic-related queries! Let’s summarise here:

• All forms of garlic are toxic, but dried or powdered versions are particularly risky.
• Symptoms of garlic toxicity may take a few days to develop, depending on the amount consumed.
• Signs of toxicity include pale gums, an elevated heart rate, changes in appetite, weakness and collapse.
• You must contact a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten garlic.