Garlic is Garlic Really That Toxicity to Dogs?

It can be difficult to get clear answers to your most pressing questions online. The internet can prove to be a difficult place when it comes to your dog’s safety and health. Everybody has an opinion. Many creators tend to exaggerate and dramatize in order to get clicks.

Consider, for instance, the topic of dogs eating garlic.

Some will say that even one sliver garlic can kill your dog. Others will claim that their grandmother’s dog lived 25 years eating only garlic from her backyard.

We’re here to clarify. Although garlic isn’t good for dogs if consumed in large amounts or on a daily basis, it won’t harm your dog’s health if used in moderation.

Garlic is safe for dogs

Can dogs eat garlic? They can, but only in moderation. It’s not something that you should give them. They will be fine if your dog takes a bite of chicken with garlic seasoning or a piece garlic bread.

To be at risk of serious illness, dogs must consume between 15-30g of fresh garlic per kg of body weight. This means that a small dog, such as a Chihuahua of 6 pounds, would need to consume 40-80 grams garlic per kilogram to be at risk of serious toxicosis. This is roughly 8-16 whole cloves!

Here’s a quick overview of how much garlic your dog needs to eat to avoid toxicosis.

Dog Weight

Garlic (in grams).

Garlic Cloves

6 lbs

40-80 grams

8-16

10 lbs

67-135g

13-27

20 lbs

135-270 g

27-54

30 lbs

204-408 g

40-81

40 lb

270-540 grams

54-108

50 lbs

330-660g

66-132

60 lb

405-810 g

81-162

70 lb

476-952 g

95-190

80 lbs

543-1,086 G

110-217

90 lbs

611 to 22,224 g

122-244

100 lbs

680-1,360g

136-272

Some dogs are more sensitive than others to garlic.

Garlic Toxins

Garlic and other members the allium family (e.g. Thiosulfate is toxic for dogs and can be found in garlic, onions, and chives. Thiosulfate can cause severe, life-threatening anemia by causing damage to red blood cells.

To be at risk of anemia in dogs, they must consume a large amount of thiosulfate. Small amounts will not cause any harm.

Moderation is the key to avoiding toxicosis. Moderation is key to avoiding toxicosis. You should not give your dog garlic-based food and you shouldn’t allow them to eat garlic-flavored foods. Dogs that are exposed to garlic for a long time may develop health problems.

You don’t have to worry about your dog eating a small amount of garlic or having some garlic-seasoned food. Dogs don’t like raw garlic and are unlikely to consume enough to cause toxicosis.

How to tell if there is a Garlic Emergency

There have been cases of dogs suffering from garlic poisoning and even death. It’s a good idea for your dog to consult your veterinarian if they have eaten a lot garlic. Anemia symptoms can develop in as little as 24 hours or last for up to a week.

Anemia in dogs can be manifested by:

Lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetiteRapid, shallow breathingDark urineBloody stool or urine, or vomit

These symptoms indicate an emergency. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is showing signs of toxicity from garlic. Although most cases of garlic poisoning in dogs don’t cause death, it is important to have your dog checked out as soon as possible to avoid long-term problems.

Can dogs eat garlic? FAQ

There is so much contradicting information available, it’s likely that you have more questions about garlic and dogs. These are the top questions about the topic.

What happens to my dog if he eats garlic?

It’s unlikely! You should not worry about your dog getting hurt by a small amount of garlic.

A vet should check out your dog if they have eaten large amounts of garlic, and we mean large quantities.

Do dogs like garlic in small quantities?

Most dogs can tolerate small amounts of garlic, and they don’t have any serious side effects. However, dogs shouldn’t be fed garlic by choice or if they are accustomed to eating scraps of it.

What happens to my dog if he eats garlic bread

A piece of garlic bread is fine for most dogs. Unless your dog has eaten the whole loaf, most garlic bread won’t contain enough garlic to cause serious injury.

Butter, cheese, salt, and garlic are more likely to cause upset stomachs in dogs than the garlic.

What is the duration of garlic poisoning in dogs?

Garlic poisoning can be very serious and can last for several days, if not weeks. Your vet will usually administer intravenous fluids as well as anti-nausea medication to your dog. In rare cases, blood transfusions may be required and long-term medication may be necessary.

Can dogs eat garlic seasoning?

Garlic seasonings such as garlic salt and garlic powder should not be given to dogs. Garlic seasonings can cause more harm than raw garlic and are less likely to cause illness in dogs. Although small amounts of garlic seasoning won’t harm your dog like fresh garlic, you should not make it a habit to share them with your dog.

Can dogs eat garlic chicken

Garlic is a bad ingredient to give your dog. Your dog will be fine if you give them some garlic chicken.

Can dogs eat garlic powder

No. No. Garlic powder is stronger than raw garlic, and is therefore not safe for dogs. Although small amounts of garlic powder can be eaten in table scraps are not considered to be harmful for dogs, it is best to avoid giving your dog any form of garlic.

Can dogs eat cooked garlic?

No. No.

Can dogs eat garlic butter

No! Garlic butter contains lots of garlic, which can cause stomach problems in your dog. Even without garlic butter, eating butter can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or GI upset in your dog.

Are there any garlic benefits for dogs?

Some studies suggest that garlic supplements may have some benefits for dogs. These studies are not conclusive and have been contradicted numerous times by other studies that have looked at the possible dangers of garlic poisoning in dogs.

Some websites promote the use of garlic as an natural treatment for ticks and fleas. Garlic is not effective in flea and tick prevention. It can cause more harm than good to your dog.

What are the signs and symptoms of garlic poisoning?

Anemia in dogs is a common sign of garlic poisoning. This could look like:

Lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetiteLoss and poor breathingDark urineBloody stool or urine, or vomit

Even if your dog hasn’t had garlic, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms.

Can dogs eat garlic salt

No! Garlic salt is not good for dogs because of two reasons. It contains concentrated, dry garlic that is toxic for dogs. It also contains salt which your dog does not need in their diet. Dogs only need a small amount of sodium to maintain cellular function and provide energy. Your dog’s food contains all the sodium they need. Additional sodium can cause upset in your dog’s stomach, increase their blood pressure and lead to unwelcome weight gain.

You can give your dog a small amount of garlic salt-seasoned food, but not enough to make it a daily habit.

How long will it take for a dog to get sick after eating garlic?

Garlic poisoning may appear in as little as a few hours, but it can take up to a whole week for the symptoms to become fully apparent. Your dog will vomit if the garlic has upset their stomach. It may take longer for symptoms to develop if your dog has consumed enough garlic to cause garlic poisoning.

If your dog shows signs of illness, get in touch immediately with your vet. Call your vet immediately if your dog is eating a lot of garlic. Your dog will be less likely to sustain permanent or long-term damage if you get it checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

This blog contains more information about the seasonings and spices you should not feed your dog.