Garlic is a wonderful spice that’s commonly used in many types of dishes all around the world. Garlic sauce is very popular in many dishes. Did you know it’s even possible to buy candied garlic? We’ve never tried it but have some friends who say it’s pretty good!
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Many of us love garlic sauce, and it seems our dogs do, too. But can garlic sauce make your dog sick?
What is Garlic?
Garlic is a plant that belongs to the Allium family, just like onions. The garlic is related to shallots, leeks, and onions. At the base of the garlic plant, it has bulbs. Each garlic bulb can have as many as 10-20 cloves (one segment of the garlic bulb is called a clove).
While garlic offers a wonderful flavor to many dishes, it was often used for both its medicinal and health properties. Garlic contains many sulfur compounds that can aid in a wide variety of ailments.
However, what happens if your dog eats garlic? Can garlic sauce make your dog sick?
Garlic & Dogs
All plants in the Allium family are poisonous to dogs, including garlic. This means garlic sauce can make your dog very sick. Garlic poisoning can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, causing digestive tract problems.
Garlic, even in small amounts, is highly toxic to dogs. Any foods with garlic, including garlic sauce, are very bad for your dog.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Garlic Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten garlic:
- Abdominal pain & cramping
- Anemia
- Lack of appetite
- Bad breath
- Collapse
- Dehydration
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Elevated heart and respiratory rates
- Liver & spleen inflammation
- Nausea
- Pale gums
- Red/brown urine
- Seizures
- Breathing problems
- Yellow skin & eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then it’s time to call the vet. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Garlic Toxicity in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a physical exam of your dog, which may include lab work, an x-ray, ultrasound, or a CT scan. The imaging scans are done to check the dog’s organs, especially the liver and the spleen, to see if they’re enlarged.
The vet will first try to help your dog rid his body of the toxin. So, the vet may induce vomiting, use activated charcoal, or use gastric lavage. Your fur baby may also require an IV for fluids and medications. And if he’s having trouble breathing, your dog may also receive supplemental oxygen.
Your canine companion may need to spend some time in the hospital until he’s stabilized. The good news is that most dogs will go on to a full recovery after treatment. So, your fur baby will be back to normal in a week or two!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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