What is Garlic Poisoning?
Many foods that are safe for us are toxic to dogs, so you have to be careful what you feed your little buddy. A debate over whether garlic is poisonous to dogs has many pet parents unsure of the toxicity because some have touted garlic as an aid to the digestive system and even as a dewormer in the past.
Garlic, which is a member of the Allium family, is poisonous to dogs, especially in powdered form, such as in seasonings. Japanese dogs (Akita, Japanese Spitz, Shiba Inu) seem to be more adversely affected by garlic, but the reason is unclear. Some experts believe it is because of the high red blood cell count and lower levels of glutathione (tripeptide protein) and potassium, which is hereditary in these breeds.
Garlic poisoning does major damage to the red blood cells, causes gastrointestinal upset (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and respiratory problems.
Although many people think it is safe to give their dog small amounts of garlic for its health benefits, it is simply not a safe practice. Every individual metabolises garlic at a different rate and some are more susceptible than others. It is best not to give your dog garlic and to take them to the veterinarian if you think they have eaten any amount of garlic, even if they show no symptoms.
Is garlic bread bad for dogs? How about spaghetti sauce seasoned with it? Or perhaps eggs with a touch of garlic before scrambling? The simple answer is, yes, all of these foods are potentially dangerous. Garlic (Allium) causes poisoning in dogs, even in small amounts. The consumption of garlic can cause gastrointestinal upset and anemia, and can even be fatal if not treated right away. The sulphuric compounds in the garlic are absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and changed into reactive oxidants, which damage your dog’s red blood cells.
Some experts claim that garlic can be beneficial to your dog’s health, and can be used for flea and worm control as well as anti-bacterial properties. However, the risk of toxicity is well established, and safe consumption has not been proven.
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms depend on the amount of garlic consumed and the size of your dog. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal tenderness and cramping
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Bad breath
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Collapse
- Dehydration
- Lack of muscle coordination (ataxia)
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Elevated heart and respiratory rate
- Exercise intolerance
- Generalized weakness
- Lethargy
- Liver and spleen inflammation (hepatosplenomegaly)
- Nausea
- Pale gums
- Red or brown urine
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing (dyspnea)
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Causes of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
Feeding your dog table scraps that have been seasoned with garlic powder is one of the most common causes of garlic poisoning. Healthy vegetables are no longer safe for your dog after garlic has been used in the cooking process. Sauces prepared with garlic are another no-no for canines. The cooking and heating up of the garlic may intensify the toxicity.
It is best not to share your food with your dog because there are other health concerns that can come from giving your dog human food, such as pancreatitis (from fatty food) and obesity (from too much calorific human food in general).
It is also possible that your dog may find and consume garlic growing wild somewhere, and if you have not seen them do this, diagnosis is tricky because you will not even know that they have eaten anything toxic until symptoms begin. You should always keep your dog within view while you are anywhere besides your own yard.
Diagnosis of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
Diagnosing garlic poisoning can be done with a physical examination, lab tests, and medical history. The physical examination includes the taking of your dog’s body temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, reflexes, height, weight, and abdominal palpation. Your veterinarian will pay close attention to your dog’s breathing, heart rate, and mucus membrane color. You should describe the symptoms you have noticed and how long they have been going on, recent illnesses and injuries, vaccination record, and abnormal behavior.
Several tests will be performed on your dog to confirm garlic toxicosis, such as packed cell volume, complete blood cell count (CBC), hemoglobin concentration, biochemistry analysis, arterial blood gas, blood glucose levels, and urinalysis. Based on what the tests show, the veterinarian may also perform a blood clotting test and liver biopsy to rule out other diseases or conditions. An abdominal radiograph (x-ray), ultrasound, and CT scan may also be used to check your dog’s liver and spleen.
Treatment of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
The most important treatment your dog will need is to rid the body of the toxin by inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal if the garlic was recently consumed. The charcoal will bind to the poison to aid in its removal and detoxification. However, if that is unsuccessful, the veterinarian will probably admit your dog to the hospital and flush the toxins out of your dog’s digestive system with a saline solution lavage. In addition, IV fluids and oxygen therapy will often be administered. To treat severe anemia, the veterinarian may need to perform a blood transfusion.
Before your dog goes home, discuss the at-home care your dog will need. Your vet can instruct you on dietary requirements to aid in a speedy recovery. There may also be exercise restrictions for the first few days or weeks, depending on your best buddy's level of poisoning.
Your vet will also remind you to fence off your garden to keep your pet away from plants that may be toxic and advise you to keep garbage safely secured and out of reach of your curious pet.
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Recovery of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
Even though garlic poisoning is a serious condition, it is rare for a dog in good health to die from this, and almost all dogs recover fully with treatment. Once your veterinarian believes the garlic is out of your dog’s system, you will be able to return home, with instructions on how to care for your dog.
You may have to continue to administer medication for one to two weeks, but be sure to follow the veterinarian's instructions. Be sure to follow up with your veterinarian and return to the clinic for a repeat blood test as directed by your veterinarian.
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
From 78 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500
Average Cost
$1,100
Top
Garlic Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador and pitbull
Thirteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Body Pain In Back And Chin When Touched. Howling In Pain.
Did a small amount of garlic cause this.
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
No, garlic usually does not cause these signs. I would suspect that your dog has arthritis. It would be best for your vet to look at your dog and start him on medication to help decrease the pain and inflammation. There are over the counter joint supplements that your dog may also benefit from.
July 26, 2020
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Pitbull
One Year
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Will my dog be ok after eating two pieces of garlic bread
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I cannot see that small amount of garlic actually being toxic, but it could cause some GI upset. If the diarrhea is not improving over the next couple of days, or if your dog is vomiting or lethargic, then it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian. They can examine your dog, see what might be the cause of the diarrhea, and prescribe any medication that might help. I hope that all goes well.
July 25, 2020
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Shitzu
Fourteen Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Our dog Zeus, a 14 year old Shitzu ate a shrimp that fell on the floor. It has A LOT of garlic. Since then (about 4 days ago) has has thrown up about once a day. He has not shown any signs of illness and his mood has not changed. He is still playful and eating and drinking water. His stool has not changed, nor is there blood in his vomit, stool, or urine.
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like that may have upset his stomach, and since he seems to be doing fine otherwise, you can try feeding him a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for 2 to 3 days. If everything resolves with that, then you can start feeding him normally afterwards. If he continues to vomit regularly even with that diet, it would probably be best to have him seen by your veterinarian. I hope that all goes well for him!
July 24, 2020
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Mixed
Eight Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My puppy ate a bag of hot fries chips - a 3 oz bag which contains garlic powder. Should I look for anything in particular?
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry that you are having issues with your dog. Most times your dog may be just fine. Your dog may vomit and have diarrhea. If you notice anything off with your dog, it would be best to see your vet.
July 24, 2020
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Husky
Nine Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting, Fatigue
My husky/shephard passed away over the weekend. She was 9.5 years old, about 100 lbs. She started shedding over the past week, and it seemed premature for me, as she usually doesn't shed again in the year till late fall. She woke up the one morning, throwing up the water she drank, & wouldn't eat.. She normally is like this when she sheds, so I thought I would give it a day to see if she recovered. I ran to do some errands, came home, and she had passed. She ate a piece of garlic bread the night before, could that have been a factor? There were no signs of blood, she still urinated outside.
July 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm so sorry that happened to your dog, that is very sad. I do not think that that small amount of garlic would have caused that at all. I suspect she had some underlying problem that you just weren't aware of, we often see sudden death in dogs that have heart conditions. I am sure that the garlic that she ate that night is not what caused this. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
July 22, 2020
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Chihuahua
Elly May
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My 4 lb chihuahua ate some of the chicken out of chicken Alfredo it had a little bit of garlic powder in it and now today she won’t eat but she keeps drinking she has peed and pooped but I’m worried because she’s not eating
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
From 78 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,500
Average Cost
$1,100
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