If you’ve recently adopted a puppy, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. But with all the joys of raising a dog comes a lot of hardships. And if you want to make sure your dog lives the longest and healthiest life possible, you have to make sure they’re eating the right food.
Since a dog’s diet plays such a crucial and big role in your pet’s overall health, it’s important to stay aware of all the ingredients that go into your dog’s stomach. And to really take control of your dog’s diet, you might want to consider making your own dog food.
That way, you don’t have to worry about your dog eating anything they shouldn’t. With that said, keep in mind that there are some human ingredients that we love that are toxic for dogs.
A prime example of this is garlic. Is garlic poisonous to dogs? This ingredient is in a multitude of different human recipes. However, think twice before adding the aromatics to your dog food. This is because while some dogs can handle garlic, others cannot and risk developing serious health conditions if they eat garlic.
If you accidentally mixed garlic into your dog’s food or they got into your pantry without you knowing, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we take a look at how long garlic takes to take effect on your dog’s health, what to expect, and what you should do if your dog eats garlic.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
As much as possible, it’s important to keep your dog away from garlic and anything in the allium family, such as onions, chives, and shallots. This is because while these ingredients are safe and great additions to human food, it’s a different story with dogs.
This goes the same whether the garlic is cooked, raw, or even unharvested. All parts of the allium family are toxic for dogs, including the onion, garlic, and shallot plants. So, if you’re planting garlic in your garden, it might be a good idea to keep your pet away from that area as well.
Why Garlic Is Bad For Dogs
The reason garlic and other members are toxic to dogs is because of the thiosulfates present in the plant. This is a compound that’s completely safe for humans. However, for dogs, thiosulfates attack their red blood cells, which can take a significant toll on their health since the red blood cells are responsible for supplying oxygen to different areas of the body.
Thiosulfates attack the red blood cells. This can lead to a variety of health complications. In the worst-case scenario, dogs that eat too much garlic and onions can develop hemolytic anemia. This condition can then lead to problems like lethargy, weakness, and dizziness.
Even in smaller doses, though, garlic can still be dangerous. Some dogs can get really sick and start vomiting, having diarrhea, and exhibiting other gastrointestinal issues after eating just a bit of garlic. So, make sure to keep your pets away from these plants as much as possible.
How Long Does Garlic Take To Affect Dogs?
Typically, garlic can take a while before your dog starts feeling sick. At the start, your dog may exhibit some symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after an hour or two of eating the garlic. However, if your dog eats a lot of garlic, the more serious effects can take even longer before they start popping up.
If you catch your dog eating garlic, make sure to keep an eye on them for a couple of days. It can take up to a week for serious symptoms and conditions from garlic poisoning to start popping up, so make sure to watch your dog closely in the days after they ingest garlic.
Are Garlic Supplements Safe For Dogs?
The common consensus is that dogs should have no more than 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. However, keep in mind that this is not the same for all dogs. There are some dogs that may be able to handle larger quantities of garlic, while certain breeds like the Japanese Spitz are very sensitive to garlic and shouldn’t have it at all.
Every dog reacts differently to garlic. Still, since it poses significant risks, it’s best to avoid the ingredient altogether. There are some garlic supplements for dogs out there designed to ward off fleas. This is because some studies show that garlic, in proper amounts, can help keep fleas off your pet.
However, none of this evidence is conclusive. And even though some dogs can handle small amounts of garlic, it’s not worth the risk.
So, if you’re still considering garlic supplements for your dog, we recommend contacting your vet. Since your vet knows your pet really well, they will be able to give you personalized advice that is fit for your dog’s own specific needs.