Some of our canine and feline pals may be tempted by the pungent aroma of garlic. Dogs will do just about everything to obtain a taste of the garlicky feast everyone in the family is enjoying, including rushing into the kitchen to check what’s cooking or staring into your soul as you settle down to eat. If they really love their dogs, however, shouldn’t their owners give in and give them that bite they’ve been craving? Read on to learn why garlic is harmful to canines.
Can garlic be safely given to dogs?
No, garlic is poisonous to dogs and should not be fed to them. Many human foods, including leftovers, contain garlic, so it’s best to keep your dog away from them.
The garlic’s terrible for dogs because…?
Thiosulfate, a chemical found in garlic, is toxic to canines. While thiosulfate is safe for people, it is harmful to dogs because it destroys their red blood cells.
Damaged red blood cells mean less oxygen is getting to your dog’s tissues, which may manifest as weakness and lethargy. As with humans, dogs might have stomach problems if they eat too much garlic, so it’s important to keep the cloves out of their reach.
Can you describe the symptoms of canine garlic poisoning?
For help if you think your dog has gotten into any garlic, call your vet immediately. Warning symptoms of garlic poisoning include:
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Panting
- Weakness
Be aware, however, that it might take some time for the symptoms of garlic poisoning to show up. The signs of garlic poisoning in dogs may not develop for many days, so even if you suspect your dog has eaten too much garlic but it seems well now, you should still call the doctor as soon as possible.
How about garlic bread for dogs?
Garlic bread is not a good idea for canines. Your dog should not eat any bread that has garlic in it, no matter how little. Furthermore, the oil, butter, and salt included in garlic bread might be harmful to pets. Inquire more into the topic of when dogs may eat bread by reading our little guide.
Assuming garlic is toxic to canines, why do certain authorities still advise giving it to canines?
Unfortunately, conflicting messages are common, particularly on the internet. If you’ve heard that garlic has health advantages for dogs, you may be confused about how it may also be poisonous.
The answer may depend on how much garlic your dog eats. This suggests that, in principle, your dog may safely consume very little amounts of garlic, and that the nutrients may even be helpful. It’s not worth the potential danger of not knowing how much garlic is “safe” to eat, especially because that amount is likely to vary from person to person. Complete and balanced pet food provides all the nutrients your pet needs without the need for additional supplements.