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Garlic is an extremely popular product all around the world! It’s used in many different cuisines and dishes! Many pet parents love to include garlic in their foods. But what happens if a dog eats garlic? Can garlic make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten garlic? Are you worried that garlic will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your do eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about garlic and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Garlic?
Garlic’s official name is Allium sativum and it’s a vegetable, even though garlic plants develop from bulbs. This veggie is related to onions, shallots, leeks, chives, and others in the allium family. The plant grows all around the world!
Garlic also has a long history with humans. The plant was used thousands of years ago by the ancient Egyptians and other peoples. In addition, the plant is also thought to have medicinal properties.
While garlic is safe for humans, what about dogs? Can dogs eat garlic?
Garlic & Dogs
Unfortunately, garlic is toxic to dogs in any form, including raw, dried, and powdered. Experts aren’t sure what substances in garlic cause dogs to get sick. But they are certain that something in garlic causes a specific type of anemia in dogs.
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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:
- Bad breath (smells like garlic)
- Abdominal pain & cramping
- Anemia
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in urine
- Dehydration
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Elevated heart & respiratory rates
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin & eyes (jaundice)
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Garlic Toxicity in Dogs
The vet will first try to decontaminate your dog’s body by inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal. They may also use another procedure called gastric lavage. In addition, your dog will need an IV for fluids and to administer medications. Some dogs may also require supplemental oxygen and possibly blood transfusions.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, he may need to be hospitalized for a time. He can come home again once he’s in stable condition. The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating garlic.
So, if your dog likes garlic, be sure to keep this vegetable out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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