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Dogs should avoid eating garlic and other vegetables containing Allium, such as onions, chives, and leeks. These fragrant vegetables contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs and can cause blood cell damage and other severe health complications. Dog owners should also reconsider giving their pets “natural” flea-and-tick medications formulated with garlic, as there is little research supporting these products’ benefits.
Key Points
“Dogs should not eat garlic in any form, including when it’s used as an ingredient in other foods like pizza crust,” says Dr. Michael Hyder, DVM and Medical Director of VEG ER for Pets in Palo Alto, California. “Even when it’s baked into bread or mixed into sauces, garlic retains compounds that are harmful to dogs, and ingestion — even in small amounts — can be dangerous.”
We interviewed two veterinarians to get their insight on whether dogs can eat garlic, the symptoms of poisoning, and when to consult a medical professional. Here’s what to know.
Why Should Dogs Avoid Garlic?
When consumed by dogs, garlic poses the risk of cellular damage, gastrointestinal distress, and fatal complications. Powders, flakes, and soup mixes with garlic are considered the most potent, as they’re extremely concentrated. Dr. Jamie Richardson, Head of Veterinary Medicine at Small Door Vet, explains why garlic can spell trouble for dogs:
“When garlic is chewed, crushed, or digested, it releases sulfur compounds that cause oxidative damage to a dog’s red blood cells. Over time, this damage causes the cells to break apart, leading to anemia,” she shares. “Dogs may have mild stomach upset, like vomiting or diarrhea, within a few hours of eating garlic. The more serious signs of garlic poisoning, like pale gums, weakness, fast breathing, or dark urine, usually develop two to five days later as the damaged red blood cells break down.”
In addition to red blood cell damage, dogs suffering from severe garlic toxicity may also experience ataxia and cyanosis. Dr. Hyder explains that ataxia refers to uncoordinated or wobbly movement, which may cause stumbling, collapse, and general discoordination. Cyanosis indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, causing a dog’s gums, tongue, and skin to have a bluish tint.
“Both symptoms suggest that the dog’s red blood cells are being damaged, which is a hallmark of garlic toxicity,” says Dr. Hyder. “If either symptom is observed, veterinary care is urgently needed.”
Is Garlic More Toxic Than Onions?
Garlic is very toxic to dogs when compared to other household ingredients. It’s even more toxic than its sister bulb, the onion. Research shows that 15 to 30 grams of raw onions can cause adverse symptoms in dogs – and less than a teaspoon can spell trouble for cats. Garlic is five times more toxic than onions, meaning that ounce for ounce, it can pose a larger risk for your pet.
“Garlic powder and concentrated extracts can be even more dangerous because they pack more of the toxic compounds into a smaller amount. Even a small sprinkle of garlic powder could cause trouble for a small dog,” says Dr. Richardson.
How much it takes for your dog to experience signs of garlic or onion toxicity depend on many factors, such as their size.
“While it is true that larger dogs can tolerate a slightly higher dose of garlic compared to smaller dogs, garlic is never safe to offer intentionally, regardless of size,” says Dr. Hyder. “The threshold for toxicity varies, but even relatively small amounts of garlic have caused poisoning in dogs of all sizes.”
There are two other factors that can elevate the risk of Allium toxicity in dogs: their breed and whether they have any pre-existing health conditions.
“Certain breeds, such as Akitas and Shiba Inus, may be genetically more sensitive to oxidative damage in red blood cells, which increases their risk for developing garlic-induced anemia,” continues Dr. Hyder. “Additionally, dogs with pre-existing liver disease or anemia may be at higher risk.”
Are Garlic Flea-and-Tick Medications Safe?
You may consider a natural flea-and-tick preventative if your dog is sensitive to certain medications. Yet, it’s important to note that organic doesn’t necessarily mean safe, and that applies to preventatives that are formulated with garlic.
“As a veterinarian, I do not recommend using garlic as a flea deterrent in any form,” says Dr. Hyder. “The amount of garlic required to potentially repel fleas is not well standardized and often approaches or exceeds the toxic threshold for dogs.” Dr. Richardson agrees.
“I don’t recommend using garlic for flea prevention,” she says. “There’s no solid scientific evidence that garlic repels or kills fleas, and it can cause harm if your dog eats too much. There are safe, proven flea-and-tick preventatives available from your veterinarian that are more effective and don’t carry this risk.”
Always consult your dog’s healthcare team before administering any new medications or supplements. They can help you make informed decisions that benefit your dog’s health.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Garlic
If your dog consumes a small amount of garlic, such as a slice of Texas toast, chances are, they haven’t eaten enough to pass the toxicity threshold. Consuming a small amount rarely results in fatal complications, and care will likely revolve around keeping your dog comfortable and mitigating any complications arising from anemia.
Matters change if your dog has consumed a large amount of garlic and experiences serious symptoms, like ataxia or cyanosis. In that instance, veterinary care is essential to protecting their health – and possibly saving their life.
“Treatment depends on how much garlic the dog ate and how sick they are,” explains Dr. Richardson. “If it’s caught quickly, a vet might induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Dogs showing signs of anemia may need hospitalization, IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, a blood transfusion.”
Similar treatments may apply if your dog accidentally eats onions, leeks, and other foods that pose the risk of serious health complications.
“None is ‘safer’ than the others, and all can be serious depending on how much is eaten and the size of the dog. If your dog eats any of these foods, it’s best to treat it as an emergency and call a veterinarian right away,” says Dr. Richardson.
Call Your Vet With Any Concerns
Your stomach might be in knots after your dog swipes your garlic rolls. Although your dog would likely have to eat a bakery’s worth of garlic goodies to experience symptoms of poisoning, there’s no harm in consulting your vet if you’re concerned for their health.
“If your dog accidentally ingests garlic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Reach out to your veterinarian right away, because early intervention can make all the difference,” says Dr. Hyder.