Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
NO, DOGS CANNOT EAT GARLIC UNLESS THE OWNER KNOWS TO ADMINISTER THE PROPER AMOUNT ACCURATELY.
The Dangers of Your Dog Eating Garlic
We know how difficult it can be to have your dog running around the kitchen while cooking, eating at the dinner table, and so on. What happens when your pup gulps down some of your delicious dinner and you don’t know if it is safe? Garlic is in a lot of food, and luckily it is not dangerous in small doses. However, Large amounts can cause problems. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA, say close members of the onion family (shallots, onions, garlic, scallions, etc.) contain compounds that can damage dogs’ red blood cells if ingested in sufficient quantities. A rule of thumb is “the stronger it is, the more toxic it is.”
Garlic tends to be more toxic than onions, on an ounce-for-ounce basis. It contains sulfoxides and disulfides that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. While it’s uncommon for dogs to eat enough raw onions and garlic to cause serious problems, exposure to concentrated forms of onion or garlic, such as dehydrated onions, onion soup mix or garlic powder, may put dogs at risk of toxicosis. The damage to the red blood cells caused by onions and garlic generally doesn’t become apparent until three to five days after a dog eats these vegetables. Affected dogs may seem weak or reluctant to move, or they may appear to tire easily after mild exercise. Their urine may be orange-tinged to dark red in color. A veterinarian should examine these dogs immediately. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed and there might be permanent liver damage.
The above-mentioned cons of garlic condition are very well known in the dog community. What is a little less known are the advantages of garlic consumption, IF GIVEN IN THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS!
When Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Garlic is an inexpensive food additive that has significant positive effects on the dog’s multiple organ systems. Garlic enhances the secretion of gastric juice that aids in the digestion and promotes the development of friendly bacteria in the dog’s digestive tract. This pungent bulb acts as immune booster of dogs with low immunity by supporting the production of white blood cells. Diabetic dogs are greatly benefited by regular consumption of the right amount of garlic as it helps maintain the ideal blood sugar level. Raw, cooked or dried, garlic reduces cholesterol and triglycerides and aid in the detoxification necessary to purify the liver. Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The Allicin component found in the root bulb has healing properties. Because of its healing property, crushed garlic will heal wounds, boils and skin disease after about a week of application. Garlic contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant that activates the enzymes that slow down the growth of cancer cells. Garlic effectively reduces parasite infestation. Garlic has a pungent smell that when ingested will be emitted through the pores and sweat glands. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes’ sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than humans. You may not be able to smell the very personal garlic cologne of the dog but these parasites will surely be affected and would immediately scamper from the skin and fur of the dog. There will be no need to use the messy flea powder to eradicate the parasite infestation. You simply need to include a small amount of garlic to the dog’s home cooked meal.
Garlic has been highly valued for its medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans and Chinese have used allium Sativum, commonly known as garlic for its natural healing properties. In spite of this fact, garlic is listed as one of the human foods that should not be given to dogs because of the previously mentioned threats. Thus, we recommend you only give garlic to your dog if your vet has mentioned that it can help with a specific issue that your dog is having. We suggest you do not give it on a daily basis and without consultation from a veterinarian. If you are giving your dog garlic, or food with garlic, as a treat, we recommend trying some nice fruits and vegetables instead. Your dog and his stomach will like it much better.