Many people believe that garlic is an all-natural treatment for preventing heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fleas, and even some forms of cancer.
However, our pets do not benefit from these possible medical advantages. In truth, at some doses, garlic can be poisonous to dogs and cats, and if poisoning is not promptly treated, it can be fatal.
Why is Garlic Toxic to Pets?
The Allium family includes the species of garlic. Leeks, chives, onions, shallots, and rakkyo are some of the other species in the Allium family (otherwise known as the Chinese onion).
The disulfides and thiosulphates found in garlic and other Allium family members can be hazardous to cats and dogs if consumed. Heinz body anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia are all manifestations of damage to red blood cells and are brought on by the consumption of garlic. The red blood cells moving through your pet’s body can essentially become extremely brittle and burst due to the chemicals in garlic.
How Much Garlic is Toxic to Pets?
According to Dr. Ahna Brutlag, director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline and a board-certified veterinary toxicologist, garlic has a toxicity level that is almost five times higher than that of onions.
When it comes to onion toxicity, keep in mind the following general rule: Even a little amount of onion consumption—5 g/kg for cats and 15 to 30 g/kg for dogs—has been linked to clinically significant red blood cell damage. Scientific investigations have found that animals who consume more than 0.5% of their body weight in onions at once get onion toxicosis.
One garlic clove can be harmful to cats and small dogs, and as garlic is more concentrated than an onion, even a lower amount that is consumed could cause toxicosis.
Please be aware that a pet’s weight, breed, and previous health history can affect how harmful garlic is when consumed. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-289-0358** or your veterinarian right away if you think your dog or cat may have consumed garlic.
Symptoms of Garlic Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
It’s crucial to remember that symptoms may not show up for several days after your pet eats garlic.
Along with anemia’s signs of breathlessness, sluggishness, pale, yellow, or muddy-colored gums, rapid breathing, and an accelerated heart rate, this condition can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, your pet could experience stomach ache and turbid urine. While the signs of anemia may not show up for many days to a week after your pet eats garlic, vomiting and diarrhea frequently do.
Preventing Garlic Toxicity in Pets
Pets are at significant danger when garlic is consumed in large quantities, but chronically ingesting moderate amounts of garlic over time can also make your pet sick.
What dosage of garlic renders dogs toxic?
According to studies, it takes between 15 and 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight for a dog’s blood to undergo adverse alterations. To put that into perspective, a shop garlic clove typically weighs between 3 and 7 grams, so your dog would have to consume a lot of it to become very ill. However, certain dogs are more susceptible to the toxicity of garlic than others, and taking a toxic dosage of the herb over several days could also be harmful.
This implies that while your dog could be fine if he accidently eats something that contains a small amount of garlic, feeding him garlic on purpose could be disastrous.
Can dogs eat garlic-infused meat?
Garlic is harmful, so dogs shouldn’t eat any of it. Given that many meals contain garlic in some form, it is best to avoid feeding your dog leftovers from your dinner.
How much time does dog garlic poisoning last?
Clinical symptoms can appear up to 7 days after eating the dish, however they usually appear within 24 hours.
Can my dog get sick with a little bit of garlic?
Humans have understood the healing benefits of garlic for ages. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that garlic benefits dogs as well. However, a variety of circumstances affect its safety.
Garlic is generally harmful to dogs. However, let’s explore why it is or isn’t and determine if it is safe for your dog.
Both sides of the garlic story
Some people would claim that garlic works wonders to keep fleas and ticks away. It’s possible that this is the case; fleas may avoid your dog’s skin because it smells different. However, research on this subject is conflicting. While some dog parents claim it is effective, others disagree. In the end, you must choose whether the advantages of using garlic outweigh the disadvantages.
From a holistic perspective, dogs and people can both benefit from garlic’s medicinal properties. Reduced cholesterol from garlic is excellent for overweight pets. improves the immune system, decreases blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. However, the type of garlic used and the dosage depend largely on its advantages. Prior to giving your dog any garlic, it is VERY crucial to see your veterinarian.
The traditional veterinarian position on garlic is as follows:
An investigation of the prevalence of hemolytic anemia in dogs administered garlic extract was conducted. Due to the small sample size of just four dogs, this study is debatable. However, it came to the conclusion that garlic was unsafe for dogs since it created negative alterations in their blood cells.
Garlic is not safe for dogs, according to veterinarians and poison control centers. Garlic, or any plant in the Allium family, is toxic enough to injure your dog or cat since the risks outweigh the benefits. (Garlic poisoning is 6 times more common in cats than in dogs!)
Garlic, or Allium Sativum
The Allium family of root vegetables includes garlic. This family also includes chives, leeks, and onions. They all include n-propyl disulfide, an organic substance that harms red blood cells by oxidation and results in hemolytic anemia. More of the chemical is found in garlic than in onions, leeks, chives, or shallots.
This poisonous substance is present throughout the entire allium plant. Unfortunately, dogs (and cats) lack the digestive enzyme necessary to break it down. Undigested food components frequently pass through the stools, while thiosulfates do not. They linger and wreck havoc on the body of your dog. Even more can be built up.
Thiosulfates bind to the red blood cells in your dog, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Once this takes place, the red blood cells suffer damage and aggregate into Heinz bodies. The body quickly eliminates the injured cells because it perceives them as invaders and cannot replenish them. Hemolysis, or the decomposition of red blood cells, is what we refer to.
If you don’t stop it once it starts, your dog will get hemolytic anemia. The body cannot operate because there is not enough oxygen being transported throughout it. Anemia signs can occur suddenly, but they typically don’t manifest for a few days after a dog consumes a hazardous dose of garlic. The most frequent source of garlic poisoning is table leftovers.
Hemolytic anemia symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Continent pain
- diminished endurance or possibly fainting during or after exercise
- reduced appetite
- gums that are pale and drool
- elevated respiratory or cardiac rates (rapid breathing)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inability to coordinate (ataxia)
- tainted urine
To prevent renal failure or possibly death, a dog exhibiting these symptoms needs to see a veterinarian very away. Although it’s uncommon for dogs to pass away after consuming garlic, Japanese breeds like the Shiba Inu, Spitz, Chin, and Akita tend to be particularly susceptible. Visit this page to learn more about the plants in the allium family.
Is there any amount of garlic that’s safe for my dog?
All dogs consume human foods they shouldn’t, including foods like garlic. While there is disagreement, everyone agrees that the size and breed of the dog involved, as well as the type and quantity of garlic consumed, determine its toxicity.
Daily doses of raw garlic for your dog may be considered safe if your philosophy is more holistic. These dosages of garlic have anti-inflammatory, immune-system-boosting, heart-function-improving, flea- and tick-protective effects that help maintain preventative health.
According to Dr. Pitcairn, the author of “The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats,” there are safe daily doses of raw garlic.
According to conventional veterinary science, 15–30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight can set off a dangerous series of events in your dog’s body. That’s a lot of garlic since a clove typically weighs between 3 and 7 grams.
The small amount of garlic on your garlic bread is likely to give your dog no discomfort other than some gas if they eat a piece of it. There may be issues if it occurs frequently or if your dog consumes a few garlic bulbs that he stole from the counter.
What happens when a dog gets garlic toxicity?
After checking your dog’s exterior for symptoms, your veterinarian will perform a number of tests to look for Heinz bodies, dehydration, kidney function, and oxygen levels.
Maintaining the health of their body’s organs and systems is crucial. Oxygen therapy may be necessary for some pets. Red blood cells that are still active can carry more oxygen with less effort thanks to this. In order to further aid your dog’s red blood cells in preventing thiosulfate damage, your veterinarian may additionally prescribe strong antioxidants.
The need for IV fluids and maybe a blood transfusion will depend on how severe the anemia is. Even though it’s uncommon for dogs to die from eating garlic, you should seek emergency medical attention if you think your sly snacker may have consumed more than a modest amount of it or if you see any symptoms.
What dogs should avoid all garlic and allium root vegetables?
Dogs that have previously been diagnosed with anemia should refrain from eating any vegetables from the allium family, including garlic.
Japanese Dog Breeds: Garlic toxicity or poisoning is more likely to affect Japanese Chins, Akitas, Sheba Inus, and Spitz.
Dogs suffering with lupus have immune system attacks on their body organs and tissues. Although we don’t consider it a dog sickness, it is.
Puppies: When puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old, they begin to produce red blood cells. Never feed pups any food containing allium vegetables, including garlic.
Can I feed my dog wild garlic, garlic powder or garlic oil?
All portions of the wild garlic plant, an allium root vegetable, are poisonous. If you and your veterinarian determine that giving your dog garlic supplements will be beneficial, safer garlic supplements are available.
Garlic that has been concentrated, such as garlic oil and garlic powder, is more harmful to dogs than raw garlic.
Is garlic safe for your dog?
Concerning the safety of feeding garlic to dogs, there are two sides. While the conventional perspective holds that it is unsafe, the holistic viewpoint contends that it has health benefits. Our best recommendation is to see your veterinarian BEFORE giving your dog anything that contains garlic. It’s preferable to be cautious than sorry because dog breed predispositions and dog sizes differ. Call your veterinarian right away or get in touch with the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline if you’re worried about your dog after it consumes garlic.
Are dogs poisonous to onions?
Dogs should avoid eating any part of the onion plant, including the juice, leaves, and processed powders. Onions, along with the other members of the allium family (garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives), are toxic to dogs whether they are raw, cooked, fried, or powdered.
Surprisingly, onion powder can be found in a variety of dishes, including soups and infant food. A 45-pound dog would only need to consume one medium- to large-sized onion in order to reach poisonous levels because it only takes 100 grams of onion (about the size of a medium onion) per 20 kilos of a dog’s weight to produce toxic effects. Given the chance, most dogs would cheerfully eat an onion casserole or a bag of unattended onion rings, so this is a real worry.
Garlic and onion powders are more powerful than fresh garlic. Checking the label of any human food we give to our dogs is always a smart idea, and onion powder should be on your list of “don’ts.” Onions are considerably more harmful to cats than they are to dogs, so keep both feline and canine tummies free of onion delights if you have a multi-species household.
Why are grapes inedible to dogs?
No matter what breed, age, or gender a dog is, grapes and raisins are extremely poisonous to them. Ongoing study is being done to determine why.
Kidney damage is associated with grape intoxication. The fruit can cause abrupt renal failure and possibly death if consumed.
Unknown toxin in grapes prevents dogs from metabolizing their tannins, flavonoids, and monosaccharides. This might be the main cause of canine grape poisoning.
Bananas can dogs eat them?
Apples Dogs can consume apples, yes. For your dog, apples are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and both. They are the ideal snack for older dogs because they are low in protein and fat. Just be sure you first remove the core and seeds. For an icy warm weather snack, try them frozen. It is also a component in dog treats with an apple flavor.
Avocado Dogs shouldn’t eat avocado, though. Although it could be a nutritious snack for dog owners, avocado should never be offered to dogs. Avocados contain the poison persin, which frequently causes dogs to vomit and have diarrhea, in the pit, skin, and leaves. Although the fruit’s fleshy inside does not contain as much persin as the remainder of the plant, dogs cannot handle it.
Bananas Bananas can be consumed by dogs. Bananas are a fantastic low-calorie treat for dogs when given in moderation. They contain a lot of potassium, vitamins, fiber, copper, and biotin. Although they are low in cholesterol and salt, bananas should only be given to dogs as a treat because of their high sugar content. They shouldn’t be a regular component of your dog’s diet.
Blueberries Dogs can indeed consume blueberries. Antioxidants, which are found in abundance in blueberries, protect both human and canine cells from oxidative stress. They also include a lot of phytochemicals and fiber. Has your dog been taught to catch treats in the air? As an alternative to prepared foods from the shop, try blueberries.
Cantaloupe Dogs can eat cantaloupe, yes. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of water and fiber, is high in nutrients, and is low in calories. However, because to its high sugar content, it should be used in moderation, especially by overweight or diabetic dogs.
Cherries Dogs shouldn’t eat cherries, of course. Cherry plants are poisonous to dogs because they contain cyanide, with the exception of the fleshy area surrounding the seed. Because cyanide interferes with cellular oxygen transport, your dog’s blood cells don’t receive enough oxygen. If your dog consumes cherries, watch out for symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums.
Cranberries Yes, dogs can consume cranberries without any problems. Dogs can be given tiny amounts of both fresh and dried cranberries. Another consideration is whether your dog will enjoy this sour treat. As with any treat, feeding cranberries to dogs should be done in moderation because too many might cause gastrointestinal distress.
Cucumbers Dogs can indeed eat cucumbers. Since cucumbers contain almost no carbohydrates, lipids, or oils and have the potential to increase energy levels, they are particularly beneficial for overweight dogs. They are rich in potassium, copper, magnesium, biotin, and the vitamins K, C, and B1.
Grapes No, grapes should never be eaten by dogs. No of the dog’s breed, sex, or age, grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proven to be extremely poisonous for canines. In fact, grapes can cause acute, unexpected renal failure because they are so poisonous. Always keep in mind that this fruit is poisonous to dogs.
Mango Mangoes can be consumed by dogs. This delicious summer treat contains a powerhouse of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. In addition, they contain potassium and both beta- and alpha-carotene. Just keep in mind that, like with other fruits, you should first remove the hard pit because it contains trace amounts of cyanide and poses a choking risk. Use mango as a rare treat because it contains a lot of sugar.
Oranges Dogs can consume oranges, yes. Veterinarians say that dogs can eat oranges without any problems, but they caution against giving them any citrus with a strong scent. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The juicy flesh of an orange may also make a delightful treat for your dog in moderation. Veterinarians do advise discarding the peel and giving your dog solely the orange’s flesh, excluding any seeds. Orange peel is hard on their digestive systems, and the oils may cause your dog’s delicate nose to actually turn up.
Peaches Yes, dogs can eat peaches without getting sick. Peaches are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A in little amounts, and they can even help fight infections. However, just like cherries, the pit of a peach contains cyanide. Fresh peaches can be a nice summer treat as long as you completely cut around the pit beforehand. Avoid canned peaches since they typically include a lot of sweet syrups.
Pears Dogs can indeed eat pears. Because they are rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and copper, pears make a terrific snack. According to some research, eating the fruit can cut your chance of suffering a stroke in half. Just remember to chop pears into bite-sized pieces and to first remove the pit and seeds because the seeds do contain traces of cyanide. Avoid pear cans containing sweet syrups.
Pineapple Yes, dogs may safely eat pineapple. If the prickly outer peel and crown are first removed, a few chunks of pineapple make an excellent sweet treat for dogs. The tropical fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it has bromelain, an enzyme that facilitates protein absorption in dogs.
Yes, a dog’s natural snack of pure pumpkin is a terrific one and highly healthful. It is beneficial for digestion and can treat both diarrhea and constipation in addition to benefiting your dog’s skin and coat. Just bear in mind that you should never give pumpkin pie mix to your dog. Make sure the canned pumpkin you purchase is made entirely of pumpkin. Pumpkin-flavored dog snacks and vitamins are also widely available.
Raspberries Dogs can indeed consume raspberries. In moderation, raspberries are acceptable. They are healthy for dogs since they contain antioxidants. They are high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C but low in sugar and calories. Raspberries offer anti-inflammatory characteristics that can benefit aging joints, making them particularly beneficial for older dogs. Even so, your dog should only consume up to a cup of raspberries at a time because they do contain trace quantities of xylitol.
Strawberries Yes, strawberries are edible by dogs. Strawberry fiber and vitamin C content is high. They also include an enzyme that, when consumed by your dog, can assist in whitening his or her teeth. Give them sparingly because they contain sugar.
Dogs should stay away from tomatoes. While tomatoes’ ripe fruit is typically regarded as healthy for canines, the plant’s green parts are poisonous due to a compound called solanine. To be safe, it’s advisable to avoid tomatoes altogether even though a dog would need to consume a significant portion of the tomato plant to become ill.
Watermelon Dogs can consume watermelon, yes. Watermelon flesh is okay for dogs, but it’s vital to remove the peel and seeds first since they can result in intestinal blockage. It is rich in potassium, vitamins A, B-6, and C. As 92 percent of a watermelon contains water, it’s a terrific method to help keep your dog hydrated throughout the scorching summer months. (These days, you can even get dog treats that taste like watermelon.)
