Can Dogs Eat Garlic? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

No, dogs shouldn’t eat garlic. Even a small amount of garlic has the potential to make a dog sick. The same rule applies to other human foods in the allium family like onions and chives.

How long after eating garlic will a dog get sick?

Garlic is toxic to dogs due to a substance called thiosulfate. This substance is safe for humans but not for pets. A build-up of thiosulfate in the dog’s body can lead to damages in the red blood cell, specifically with a protein called hemoglobin. Dogs affected by garlic poisoning may eventually suffer from a condition called anemia, which occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the dog’s body.

It may take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks for dogs to show signs of sickness after eating garlic. A lot of it depends on the amount of garlic the dog consumed and whether that was a lot relative to the dog’s weight. You should call the vet immediately as soon as you suspect your dog has eaten some garlic.

Can dogs have garlic powder and seasoning?

No, dogs must not eat garlic powder or any other form of seasoning like garlic salt and minced garlic. The effects of garlic poisoning could be much faster with garlic seasoning given it’s in powder form.

How to treat garlic poisoning in dogs at home

This isn’t necessarily a time when you should rely on home remedies given the dangers associated with garlic poisoning. Call the vet first for appropriate advice. Some vets may recommend a vomit-inducing procedure if it has been less than an hour since the dog ate garlic. This could be done using everyday home goods like 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.