My Dog Ate Garlic, What Should I Do?
Laura Evans |
September 27, 2023
49,781
Garlic is definitely not a dog-safe treat.
Why is garlic bad for dogs? How much garlic is toxic to dogs? And what to do if your dog eats garlic?
Get the details about garlic poisoning in dogs, and how to proceed safely and quickly if your dog eats some.
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Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat garlic. Garlic contains a toxic principle known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs.
The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in those cells. This reduces the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen and also tricks your dog’s body into thinking that the blood cell is an invader. The red blood cell is destroyed in a process known as hemolysis, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
It’s important to note that this applies to all types of garlic, including raw garlic, cooked garlic, and even garlic powder.
Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
If a dog ingests garlic, they may experience a range of symptoms. These can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Reddish urine
The severity of the symptoms will depend on the amount of garlic ingested and the size of the dog. Small dogs are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately if you know or suspect your dog ate garlic. Symptoms can start within 24 hours after eating garlic, but more commonly take a few days to appear. Waiting until the symptoms start could be too late.
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How Much Garlic is Toxic to Dogs?
The amount of garlic that is toxic to a dog will depend on the dog’s size and weight. In general, as little as 5 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight can be toxic. This means that a small amount of garlic can be dangerous for a small dog. When dogs ingest large amounts of garlic, it can be deadly.
Other factors that can make a dog more susceptible to garlic poisoning include:
- Japanese breeds (Akita, Shiba Inu)
- Dogs with concurrent diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, or anemia
- Dogs on certain medications
How many cloves of garlic did your dog eat?
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What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Garlic?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested garlic, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to contact your veterinarian or a 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline right away. If it’s been less than two hours since ingestion, they may recommend inducing vomiting to try to remove the garlic from your dog’s system, and give activated charcoal to bind any additional toxin. In some cases, they may also recommend hospitalization and treatment to support your dog’s health and prevent further damage.
It’s important to note that inducing vomiting should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, as there may be some cases where it’s not recommended. For example, if your dog has ingested a large amount of garlic or has already started showing severe symptoms, inducing vomiting may not be safe or effective.
⚠️ Remember, with any poisoning, it’s always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better prognosis/outcome if you treat early. Once your dog has already developed clinical signs and is affected by the poison, it makes for a much more expensive veterinary visit!
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