Let’s face it, garlic is either loved or hated. Some human beings can’t resist it, for others even the smell alone is unbearable. And for Fido? Today we try to understand if thegarlic to dogs it’s good or not.
Many people consider garlic to be a holistic remedy in the prevention of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, to ward off fleas and even some types of cancer. But what happens if I give garlic to the dog? Do these beneficial properties also extend to the universe of our four-legged friends?
Can You Give Garlic To Dogs?
The answer is no. Garlic may also benefit us humans, but four-legged friends metabolize some foods differently than we do.
According to Merck Veterinary Manualgarlic and other members of the same botanical family, including onions, contain thiosulfatetoxic to dogs, but not to humans.
Why is garlic bad for dogs?
Garlic to dogs can cause various damages due to thiosulphate: oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of anemia include:
- pale mucous membranes;
- rapid breathing;
- lethargy;
- weakness;
- jaundice;
- dark colored urine.
The garlic toxicity it also causes symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, including:
- He retched;
- diarrhea;
- loss of appetite;
- abdominal pain;
- dehydration.
The doses of garlic to the dog that turn out to be toxic
The latest studies have shown that it takes approx 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight to produce harmful changes in a dog’s blood. In concreto: An average supermarket clove of garlic weighs between 3 and 7 grams, so your dog would have to eat a lot of it to really get sick.
However, it is good to remember that some specimens are more sensitive than others to the toxicity of garlic, and just consuming a toxic dose spread over several days could cause problems.
This means that if your dog accidentally eats something that contains a little garlic, he will probably be fine, but constantly feeding him garlic-containing foods is putting his health at serious risk.
Can I give garlic lozenges for dogs as supplements?
Despite garlic’s known toxicity, some websites and well-meaning pet owners recommend garlic supplements as part of a natural wellness plan or as a flea and tick preventative.
In fact, garlic as a supplement given in very small doses has shown no signs of problems in pets. Of course, before giving any food to the dog, it is necessary ask your vet for advice.
Administering the wrong dose could have toxic effects. If you want to give your dog a healthy treat you can feed him fruits and vegetables that are high in valuable nutrients, such as apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, carrots, cucumbers and sweet potatoes.
Toxic garlic for dogs? Here are the symptoms and what to do
Before talking about the symptoms it is necessary to clarify that it may take several days why, after eating an inappropriate quality of garlic, Fido shows symptoms of food poisoning.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- He retched,
- diarrhea,
- shortness of breath,
- lethargy,
- pale, yellow or “muddy” colored gums
- rapid breathing and a fast heart rate.
Your pet could also develop it abdominal pain and discolored urine.
While vomiting and diarrhea can occur within a day, it can take several days to a week after your pet eats garlic for anemia symptoms to appear.
My dog ate garlic, what should I do?
In the case of garlic poisoning, a timely intervention. If you realize that Fido has eaten garlic, go immediately to the vet to have a gastric lavage to eliminate toxic residues and avert the danger that the situation worsens.
The dog will then probably be monitored for any signs of anemia. If your red blood cells are too low, you will need a blood transfusion. After a few weeks the damaged red blood cells will be replaced and Fido will be stable again.
The prognosis for this type of intoxication is usually favorable precisely because it can be resolved through transfusions.