No, dogs can’t eat garlic powder because it is harmful to them and can cause several health complications. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep your pooch away from garlic (in any form).
Garlic is an integral component of our everyday meals. It is often used in powder form because it makes our foods flavorful without affecting their texture. Not only does garlic add flavor to the food, but it is also vital for our health. It contains many vitamins and minerals that help us in fighting sickness, hypertension, and high cholesterol. However, that’s not the case for dogs as this herb is toxic to them.
Why is Garlic Poisonous to Dogs?
Garlic belongs to the ‘Allium’ family which also includes onions, leeks, chives, and shallots. All of these ingredients contain n-propyl disulfide and thiosulphate. These compounds are good for humans but quite harmful for dogs.
For example, they can damage red blood cells through oxidation and trigger the production of ‘Heinz bodies’. The Heinz bodies are nothing but lumps of damaged hemoglobin. This process results in hemolytic anemia. This is a disorder in which red blood cells die faster than they can be made. Hence, the blood saturation level of your pup falls below the safe level (severe anemia can even prove lethal).
How Much Garlic Powder is Toxic to Dogs?
Different experiments have been carried out by different organizations to observe the effects of garlic poisoning in dogs. According to AKC, 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight can be toxic to dogs.
On average, the cloves of garlic weigh about 3-7 grams. Assuming that a dog weighs around 9 kg (20 lbs.), it will have to consume nearly 45 cloves of garlic to get really sick. As far as garlic powder is concerned, the equation is simple. A quarter teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to 1 clove of garlic.
Although it seems like a lot, always remember that the above-mentioned statistics are based on general observations. The safe dose of garlic can have variations for every dog. Similarly, consuming a toxic dose of garlic powder over a period of a few days can also lead to toxicity.
Some dog breeds may stay fine after consuming little amounts of garlic powder while others can have a severe reaction. For example, Japanese breeds, such as Akita, Japanese Spitz, and Shiba Inu, are affected badly by small concentrations of garlic. As it is better to be safe than sorry, you should avoid feeding garlic to your pooch.
Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs
Garlic poisoning induces many symptoms, like anemia and gastrointestinal upset, in canines. The symptoms and their intensity depend on the dog’s size and the amount of garlic consumed. The most common symptoms of garlic toxicity in dogs are as follows.
- Pale gums
- Bad breath
- Abdominal soreness and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red or brown urine
- Rapid breathing
- Loss of muscular coordination
What to Do If My Dog Ate Garlic Powder?
The condition of your dog will depend on the amount of garlic he/she has consumed. Therefore, you should keep a close eye on your pooch to observe the symptoms. This will help you to make the right decision for treating your pup.
The very first step in treating garlic poisoning is to flush the toxins out of the body. That can be done by inducing vomiting. Likewise, activated charcoal is often used to aid the removal and decontamination of the poison. If you can’t manage these things at home, it’s advisable to immediately take your canine companion to the vet. The vet may also try to flush out the toxins by saline solution if garlic is consumed recently.
These remedies will only work within a short duration after garlic consumption. If garlic has already entered the bloodstream of your dog and started poisoning the red blood cells, your vet will have to try other things. For instance, he might use intravenous fluids and iron-rich medicines to dampen the symptoms. He may also prescribe oxygen therapy and blood transfusion if the Anemia gets intense.
It is best to acquire a diet and medication plan (for your dog) from your vet after getting discharged. This will ensure a speedy recovery of your pooch. Similarly, you should also schedule regular health check-ups with your vet after the initial treatment.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread?
Garlic is toxic to dogs in any form. Garlic bread might be a tempting delight for your dog, but it is not a healthy ingredient for them. In addition to garlic, many other ingredients, like butter, oil, cheese, and herbs, are also unhealthy for your dog.
All of them can easily cause gastrointestinal issues. Oil and cheese can also increase bad cholesterol in the body that can trigger heart issues. Likewise, excessive fats and calories can lead to obesity and fatty liver diseases.
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