Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
No. Garlic is in the same family as onions and is considered several times stronger — it damages red blood cells and can cause anaemia. Don't give garlic supplements or garlic-seasoned food.
Call your vet, especially if a large amount was eaten or it was eaten repeatedly. Your vet may suggest blood tests over the following days.
Call your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
- What makes it harmful
- Thiosulfates and related sulfur compounds
- Harmful amount
- No safe amount is established; garlic is more potent than onion, and repeated small amounts add up
- Signs appear
- Signs of anaemia usually appear after a few days
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
- Fast breathing
- Dark urine
Why
Garlic is often sold as a natural flea remedy for dogs; there is no good evidence it works, and it carries a real risk of anaemia. Garlic powder and garlic bread are common sources.
Sources
General information checked against published veterinary sources. Every dog is different — ask your vet before changing its diet, and call them if it seems unwell.