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Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

Garlic belongs to the leek family and is often used in the kitchen to refine dishes. We’ll tell you why dogs are not allowed to eat garlic and how much the poisonous substance alliin is harmful to dogs.

Is Garlic Good Or Bad For Dogs?

The question of whether dogs are allowed to eat garlic can be answered very easily: No, garlic has no place in the dog bowl. The little white toes contain the substance alliin, which is toxic to dogs. If the dog eats garlic, poisoning can result. In too high a dosage, the leek plant can even be fatal for dogs.

Even Small Amounts of Garlic are Harmful to Dogs

According to one study, garlic is fatal to dogs in high doses. From five grams per kilogram, your darling is in danger of death. A clove of garlic has an average weight of around three grams, so make sure that you always keep the bulbs and cloves out of the reach of your four-legged friend.

A single toe can be fatal to a puppy.

Toxic Garlic Dose by Breed of Dog

In adult dogs, the following amount of garlic is considered lethal. Please note, however, that pedigree dogs also have different weights and a different state of health. Basically, small breeds of dogs are at greater risk of being poisoned.

  • Labrador and Golden Retriever (from 25 kg): 41 cloves;
  • French bulldog (over 8 kg): 13 cloves;
  • Pug (from 6 kg): 10 cloves;
  • Maltese (from 3 kg): 5 cloves;
  • German shepherd (from 20 kg): 33 cloves;
  • Chihuahua (from 1.5 kg): 2 cloves.

How to Recognize Garlic Poisoning?

If your pet has eaten too much of the leek, the toxin alliin leads to a change in the blood count and an accelerated heartbeat. Consumption of larger amounts can lead to anemia so that less oxygen can be transported in the body. In the worst case, it can lead to fatal organ failure.

Typical symptoms of poisoning can also occur with smaller amounts consumed. Signs that your dog has eaten garlic can show up in the following ways:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea are some of the most common symptoms.
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory problems are serious signs.
  • Cramps, which are expressed by a hunched back and/or squeaking of the animal.
  • Disorientation and strong excitement that emerges in the later stages of intoxication.
  • Light-colored mucous membranes can also be signs of poisoning.

Our recommendation: If your four-legged friend has eaten a dangerous amount of garlic, consult a veterinarian immediately.

First Aid Measures for Garlic Poisoning

Here’s what you can do right away after your dog has eaten garlic. However, first aid measures cannot replace a visit to the vet!

  • As an emergency supply, charcoal tablets are ideal.
  • Without tablets, it makes sense to induce vomiting, as garlic is harmless to the esophagus.
  • The administration of water with table salt causes vomiting without burning the sensitive mucous membranes.
  • Stress is to be avoided consistently.
Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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