Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

Like onions, garlic contains sulfur compounds called thiosulfates. When ingested by a dog, these compounds cause oxidative damage to their red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. This process destroys red blood cells, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs. The poisoning can be insidious, as it can build up over time with repeated small doses or happen all at once with a single large ingestion.

It doesn't matter if the garlic is raw, cooked, dried, or in powdered form. All forms are dangerous. Garlic powder is particularly potent because it's concentrated, meaning a small amount can cause significant harm. You should be especially careful with human foods that may contain garlic powder, such as sauces, soups, and seasoned meats.

• Symptoms may not appear for several days after ingestion, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Signs are similar to onion toxicity and include:
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing or an elevated heart rate
• Red or brown-colored urine
• Collapse

Any ingestion of garlic should be treated as a potential emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately for guidance. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Do not feed your dog garlic. The risk of severe anemia and damage to red blood cells is significant and can be life-threatening. Keep all forms of garlic well away from your dog.