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Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Do not give garlic to dogs.
Is garlic safe for dogs?
Garlic is part of the allium family, along with onions, leeks and chives, and is used as a seasoning in a huge range of dishes. Garlic is toxic to dogs and is considered more concentrated than onion, weight for weight. It damages red blood cells and can cause anemia, sometimes several days after it is eaten.
What to do instead
- Check labels for garlic and garlic powder, which are easy to miss in sauces and seasoning blends
- Keep garlic and dishes made with it out of reach
- If your dog ate any, call your vet or a poison hotline, because signs can be delayed by days
- Choose a treat made for dogs instead
What to avoid
- Raw, cooked, dried and powdered garlic
- Sauces, dressings and seasoning blends that contain garlic
- Garlic-flavored supplements sometimes marketed for flea control
How much garlic can my dog have?
There is no amount of garlic that we can recommend for dogs. Skip it entirely.
Signs your dog may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your dog has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Important: Signs can appear several days after eating garlic and may include weakness, pale gums, fast breathing, dark urine, vomiting and loss of appetite. Do not wait for symptoms before calling your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat garlic?
No. Garlic should not be given to dogs of any age.
What should I do if my dog ate garlic?
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your dog's weight. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Is there a safe amount of garlic for my dog?
There is no amount of garlic that we can recommend, and some dogs react to very small amounts. It is best not to give any.
More questions dog owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Cats Eat Garlic?