Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

Garlic is a great way to add flavor to a dish, but can dogs eat garlic?  

No, garlic is toxic to canine companions in any form—fresh, dried, and powdered. And if your dog eats a large amount, it can become a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. 

Find out what effect garlic has on dogs, symptoms of garlic poisoning that you should watch for, what to do if your dog eats garlic, and how your vet can help. 

Can Dogs Have Garlic? Is Garlic Toxic to Dogs?

No, dogs cannot have garlic. It’s considered toxic. It’s about five times more toxic than onions and leeks, because it’s a more concentrated source of the sulfur-containing compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells. 

Symptoms generally show up within 24 hours of a dog eating garlic, although it can take up to a week for your dog to start showing clinical signs. 

Why Is Garlic Bad for Dogs?

Garlic, whether raw or cooked, is toxic to dogs. If a dog eats enough garlic, it can eventually kill them if they do not get medical treatment. 

Here are several reasons garlic is bad for dogs: 

• Garlic, onions, and leeks are all in the Allium genus of plants. Dogs are not allergic to plants in this genus, but the plants contain N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates. When these are metabolized by your dog’s body, it may cause damage to their red blood cells. 

• Red blood cells transport oxygen to tissues. When a pet ingests garlic, it may cause damage that disrupts the absorption and delivery of oxygen to the body; and it can also cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). 

• Garlic is a gastrointestinal irritant and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. 

How Much Garlic Is Toxic to Dogs?

Consuming as little as 2 grams per pound of your dog’s weight can cause stomach upset and vomiting, and larger amounts can damage the red blood cells.  

For reference, each garlic clove weighs an average of 5 grams. For a medium-size dog weighing around 25 pounds, treatment will be needed if they ingest 50 grams of garlic, which is approximately 10 cloves. 

Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog eats a small amount of garlic, you might not notice any symptoms. However, consuming larger amounts can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.  

See your vet right away if you see these signs of garlic toxicity in dogs: 

• Lethargy 

• Weakness 

• Ataxia (lack of coordination) 

• Pale gums 

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea 

• Increased heart and/or respiratory rate 

• Red or brown urine 

• Hypersalivation 

• Cyanosis (blue gums/skin) 

How Veterinarians Treat Garlic Poisoning in Dogs

Garlic poisoning is typically treated based on how much garlic was consumed and the types of symptoms your dog is having when they get to the hospital. 

Here are some things your vet might do: 

• If eaten within the past two hours, vomiting will likely be induced to remove the stomach contents. 

• After inducing vomiting, your vet may administer activated charcoal to bind any toxins not removed during vomiting. 

• The veterinarian may then perform standard blood and urine tests to ensure that no signs of toxicity—such as electrolyte abnormalities, changes to the number of red blood cells, or liver damage—are present.  

• If the pet is already showing symptoms of advanced garlic toxicity, then hospitalization, blood transfusions, and oxygen therapy may be needed to help your dog recover. This is rare. 

If you get your dog to the vet quickly, it’s likely your dog will make a full recovery from a mild toxicity. Dogs who have developed severe side effects have a more guarded prognosis and may need more involved care. 

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Garlic?

If your dog eats garlic (including garlic bread), contact a veterinarian, veterinary consulting service, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661, a consultation fee applies). They can determine if the amount of garlic consumed by your pet requires medical treatment or if you can watch your pet at home for symptoms of garlic poisoning. 

• If your pet eats a large quantity of garlic, do not wait to see signs of illness. Some symptoms of garlic toxicity can be delayed for a few days and will require extensive and expensive treatment if not treated immediately. 

• If your dog eats a small amount of garlic (less than one clove) or food cooked with garlic, they will likely not experience any symptoms, and you may only need to watch your pet for signs of illness.  

However, always contact a veterinary professional to ensure that no further treatment is needed. Your vet may recommend that you induce vomiting (make your dog throw up), but only do this under the guidance of a veterinarian.