Is garlic toxic to dogs?

Knoblauchzehen auf einem Brett

Garlic is toxic to dogs, but what should you do if your dog accidentally ate garlic or onions?

13.07.2022

How toxic is garlic for dogs?

If your dog eats garlic, it can be toxic for him. This is because the bulb contains alliin, a sulfur-containing amino acid, which destroys the hemoglobin in your dog's red blood cells. The consequences can be anemia (anemia) and severe signs of poisoning.

The same applies if your dog eats onions. They also contain the active ingredient alliin, which is dangerous for your dog.

How can I recognize garlic poisoning in dogs?

The symptoms of poisoning from eating garlic or onions can vary widely. Watch for the following signs in your dog:

  • →Vomiting and/or →diarrhea

  • Paleness (visible on the mucous membranes)

  • Increased breathing and/or heart rate

  • General weakness

If you notice any of the above symptoms or if you are unsure, you should head to a veterinary clinic immediately. Even if you notice other strange behaviors in your dog, it's better to seek veterinary advice.

Brauner Dackel beim Tierarzt

If your dog has eaten garlic, it's a case for the professionals. Depending on the amount and your dog's weight, a dangerous poisoning can occur.

From what amount is garlic toxic to dogs?

As with all →toxic foods, the dose makes the poison when it comes to garlic or onions. The amount consumed in relation to the dog's body size or weight is crucial.

For a healthy dog, the toxic dose of fresh garlic is considered to be more than 5g per kilogram of body weight or more than 0.5% of body weight. So a small piece of garlic might pass unnoticed in a 50 kilo Great Dane, but could be life-threatening for a small Chihuahua.

For onions, the toxic dose is considered to be about 15–30g per kilogram of body weight.

At Pets Deli we strictly adhere to the findings on healthy nutrition for dogs. That's why you'll only find high-quality meat, essential minerals, valuable oils, as well as healthy vegetables and fruits in our food. Everything is perfectly balanced to lay the foundation for a healthy life for your furry friend.

Our dog food: healthy, honest, delicious.

Do garlic or onions help against ticks?

It is said that garlic or onions in small amounts provide dogs with a natural →protection against ticks, fleas or worms. However, this is not clearly scientifically proven—and on top of that, it's →a pretty dangerous feeding myth.

If your four-legged friend is infested with parasites or if you want to provide preventive treatment, you should rather seek veterinary advice and not treat your dog on your own with garlic or onions. Even in small amounts, these vegetables can be toxic and cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs.

Undine Tackmann
Undine Tackmann