Is Garlic Bad for Dogs? 3 Health Risks of Feeding Garlic to Dogs

Dogs cannot eat garlic; even a small amount of garlic is toxic to your pet. Garlic and other members of the Allium family (like shallots, leeks, scallions, chives, and onions) contain thiosulfate and N-propyl disulfide, which cause gastrointestinal distress and issues with your dog’s immune system. Raw garlic is toxic to all dog breeds, and vets consider dogs of Japanese breeds (like Shiba Inus and Akitas) especially vulnerable to side effects from eating garlic. If your dog eats a large amount of garlic, garlic poisoning or hemolytic anemia can result in severe cases.

Both softneck garlic (Allium sativum), the variety you usually see in supermarkets, and hardneck garlic (Allium ophioscorodon), which is more common at farmers’ markets, are toxic to dogs. All members of the Allium family of plants contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. Since dogs lack the enzyme required to properly digest it, the sulfur compound in N-propyl disulfide can bond to the hemoglobin protein in a dog's red blood cells, causing a lack of oxygen distribution through the blood and an overall breakdown of red blood cells known as hemolysis. The cells then form clusters called Heinz bodies. The dog's body identifies the Heinz bodies as harmful and will work to eradicate them. If this oxidative damage continues, it causes hemolytic anemia, or a reduction of red blood cell count at a faster rate than their reproduction.

Garlic is toxic to your dog, even in small amounts. While garlic toxicity results from eating too much garlic, even a single clove of garlic or a few grams of garlic can be dangerous to your pet's health. Garlic supplements, garlic powder, and human foods like garlic bread are also hazardous for your pet.

While pet owners can enjoy the health benefits of garlic, such as a reduction in blood pressure or cholesterol, garlic is toxic to dogs. Feeding your dog garlic can result in:

1. 1. Anemia: Eating garlic can cause oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells, which can result in hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include rapid breathing, jaundice, loss of appetite, pale gums, elevated heart rate or respiratory rate, and drooling. If you observe these clinical signs of garlic poisoning in your dog, call a pet poison helpline and seek professional veterinary help immediately. Your dog may need a blood transfusion and IV fluids or a dose of activated charcoal, which will help your dog expel the garlic safely.
2. 2. Dehydration: Your dog may experience severe dehydration due to the side effects of garlic ingestion. Your pet may start drooling or panting excessively, and there is a risk they will drink too much water and experience bloat.
3. 3. Gastrointestinal distress: Your dog can develop garlic poisoning after eating fresh garlic, which causes damage and distress to their digestive system. Symptoms of garlic poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can lead to an unhealthy drop in body weight.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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