Can dogs eat garlic?
No.
Garlic damages a dog's red blood cells and can cause anemia, just like onion, but it is 3 to 5 times stronger. Fresh, cooked, and powdered garlic are all harmful, and garlic supplements aren't safe either.
Did your dog just eat garlic?
Call your vet or a pet poison line for advice, especially if your dog ate garlic powder, a garlic supplement, or a garlicky dish. Signs can take days to appear.
Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a 24/7 pet poison line:
US numbers. A consultation fee may apply. Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Why is garlic bad for dogs?
Garlic is in the Allium family with onions, leeks, and chives. Its sulfur compounds damage red blood cells, which then break down faster than the body can replace them. The result can be anemia, where the blood can't carry enough oxygen.
The Merck Veterinary Manual describes garlic as 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion. Cooking doesn't make it safe, and garlic powder, garlic salt, and supplements are especially concentrated.
What about garlic supplements for fleas?
Garlic is sometimes sold as a natural flea remedy or health supplement for dogs. There's no good evidence it keeps fleas away, and regular doses can slowly damage red blood cells. Ask your vet about proven flea prevention instead.
Signs of garlic poisoning
An upset stomach can come first, and signs of anemia usually appear 3 to 5 days after eating garlic. Watch for:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or belly pain
- Tiredness, weakness, or not wanting to walk
- Pale or yellow gums
- Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
- Red or brown urine
- Collapse (an emergency)
What the vet will do
If your dog ate garlic recently, your vet may make them vomit to empty the stomach and check their blood over the next few days. Dogs with severe anemia may need oxygen, fluids, or a blood transfusion. Most dogs recover with treatment.
Foods that hide garlic
- Garlic bread and pizza
- Pasta sauces, pesto, and curries
- Gravy, stock, and seasoned meats
- Garlic salt, garlic powder, and seasoning blends
- Hummus and dips
- Some human supplements and pet supplements
Helpful tools and guides
- Can dogs eat onions?
Onions are in the same family and harm dogs the same way.
- What can dogs eat?
Our full list of safe and dangerous foods.
- Dog food calculator
How much to feed, including a treat budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is a little garlic OK for dogs?
It's best avoided. A tiny amount in a dish is unlikely to make a large dog ill, but garlic is strong, small dogs are at more risk, and regular small amounts can add up. If your dog eats garlic, call your vet for advice.
My dog ate garlic bread. What should I do?
Call your vet or a pet poison line and tell them how much your dog ate and your dog's weight. Garlic bread can contain a lot of garlic and butter, so it can cause both anemia and an upset stomach.
Why do some dog foods contain garlic?
A few products use small amounts for flavor, and some people believe it has health benefits. Because garlic is known to harm dogs' red blood cells, many vets advise avoiding products that contain it.
Can cats eat garlic?
No. Cats are even more sensitive to garlic and onion than dogs.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sources last checked: . How we calculate
Tools for your dog
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