You know that smell, right? When somebody has just added garlic to the pan, and it fills the kitchen with a promise of a really good dinner? Yea, your dog knows that smell, too! But have you ever wondered: can dogs eat garlic? Today, you’re going to learn:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- garlic in any shape or form is bad for dogs ❌
- signs of garlic toxicity include: vomiting, diarrhea, panting, blood in urine;
- garlic has a lot of vitamins, and minerals that could be potentially good for dogs ✔️
- the benefits of feeding garlic to your dog are not worth the risks.
Garlic Is Bad for Dogs | About Garlic Toxicity
Garlic can be toxic to dogs and can lead to the following: damage red blood cells, which can affect breathing, cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, an upset stomach with abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea), anemia, weakness and lethargy. These symptoms can happen within a few hours of eating garlic or up to several days later.
Dogs and cats are unable to properly digest onions and garlic. Thiosulphate is a substance present in these veggies that pets cannot break down effectively. Too much of thiosulphate causes hemoglobin to clump together, which results in hemolytic anemia. Dogs can also develop liver problems after eating cloves of garlic on a regular basis.
So, can dogs eat garlic? No. We do not recommend giving your dogs any garlic.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Garlic?
If your dog has eaten a large amount of garlic, there are some things you can do to help them. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for advice. They may recommend inducing vomiting if the garlic was ingested within the last hour, and providing fluids and electrolytes to help with any dehydration that may have occurred.
If garlic cloves have been eaten within the last 24 hours, activated charcoal can absorb any remaining toxic compounds from their stomach and intestines. This can also help you try to get rid of some garlic in your dog’s digestive tract. Your vet can provide this medication or recommend a product that can be bought over-the-counter at a drug store.
What are the Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs?
Can dogs eat garlic? Well, not unless you want to make them sick! The signs of garlic toxicity in dogs are drooling, panting, very bad breath, blood in their urine, seizures, sudden lethargic behaviors and yellow eyes (color of which comes from the liver after consuming a large dose of garlic). It’s then that you must immediately call your veterinarian. He/she will know from the start how to treat garlic poisoning in dogs.
Is Garlic Bread Toxic to Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread?
One of the biggest concerns for pet parents is the delicious garlicky baguette from your bakery. So, can dogs eat garlic bread? The answer to this question is no!
Garlic bread is just as toxic as the cloves, even in small amounts. It can also cause anemia and other health problems if ingested regularly over time. You should avoid feeding your dog any foods with garlic or onions in them. The same applies to pastas, pizza chips and other human food products that can contain garlic seasoning and other spices.
How to Keep Your Dogs Safe from Garlic
The best way to keep your dog safe is by making sure they can’t access any foods containing garlic or onion powder! It can also be helpful if you make a habit of checking the ingredients list on anything before giving it to your furry buddy as an occasional treat.
You may find that some people think a little garlic powder is no big deal, but it can be very harmful to dogs. If you are a dog owner and a garlic lover, store those chives and cloves high above your hound’s reach. Never leave them lying around!
Can Garlic Be Good or Safe for Dogs?
In general, garlic is safe for dogs when given in very small amounts, and only once in a while. Fresh garlic has many vitamins and minerals:
- vitamin A, B, C;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- potassium;
- selenium;
- inulin;
- amino acids;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- manganese.
Some people claim garlic in canines can detoxify their systems, and decrease bad cholesterol levels, supporting their immune system at the same time. It can act as a natural antibiotic or antifungal supplement. If you want to use garlic in your pet’s diet, do it only from time to time, and be very cautious about that. If he accidentally grabs a bulb of garlic, rush to the vet!
Dogs Eating Garlic. Good or Bad? Conclusion
So, if you’re wondering whether or not to give garlic to your dog, just don’t. Garlic is bad for dogs and can have serious consequences. While it’s true that garlic has some health benefits for humans, these same benefits do not apply to dogs. In fact, giving garlic to your dog can be downright dangerous. If you think your dog may have eaten something containing garlic, please contact your veterinarian immediately. So, can dogs eat garlic? Better not!
