Can Dogs Eat Cooked Garlic? Reasons & How to Prevent

Garlic and its aromatic allure can be a tantalizing temptation for our canine companions. Whether they swiftly dash to the kitchen to investigate what's cooking or gaze longingly as you sit down to dine, dogs can employ a range of tactics to secure a taste of the coveted garlicky delicacies relished by the entire family. But should devoted pet owners yield to their furry friends' entreaties for that much-desired morsel? Read on to discover why garlic is bad for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Garlic?

Both cooked and raw garlic is hazardous to dogs, as are wild garlic and garlic supplements in pill or liquid form. Pet owners should exercise vigilance concerning anything containing garlic and other Alliums like onions, leeks, and chives.

Why Is Garlic Bad for Dogs?

Garlic can impact blood clotting, and as such, dogs should never consume garlic within two weeks of scheduled surgery. If your pet does ingest garlicky food before a procedure, be sure to inform your veterinarian. Garlic should also never be given to puppies since they don't begin producing new red blood cells until around six to eight weeks of age. Always exercise caution when introducing any new food, supplement, or medication to pregnant dogs, as these substances can affect breast milk and puppies.

Garlic can interact adversely with various medications, including those used for heart conditions, high blood pressure, immune suppression, chemotherapy, antacids, insulin, and blood thinners. If your dog is on any of these medications, garlic should be strictly avoided.

How Much Garlic Is Toxic to Dogs?

Research indicates that it takes approximately 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight to induce adverse effects and illness in dogs. Given that the average garlic clove weighs up to seven grams, a substantial amount of garlic would need to be ingested to cause toxicity. For perspective, an 85-pound Labrador would need to consume over 150 cloves of garlic to reach a toxic level.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Garlic?

To respond effectively if your dog consumes garlic, follow these steps:

Remove Garlic: Prevent your dog from ingesting more garlic by eliminating it from their access. This step can help reduce the extent of exposure.

Stay Calm: Refrain from panicking and take a deep breath. Approach the situation with a clear mind, as panicking can impede your ability to respond effectively.

Know Your Dog's Weight: It's helpful to have a general idea of your dog's weight, as the toxicity of garlic varies with their weight. This information will be valuable when consulting with your veterinarian.

Assess the Situation: Make note of the type of garlic your dog consumed and an estimate of the quantity. This information, combined with your dog's weight, will be useful when communicating with a veterinarian.

How to Prevent Dogs from Eating Garlic?

To prevent dogs from accessing garlic and other harmful foods, adhere to these precautions:

Monitor Their Diet: Be attentive to what your dog eats, particularly if you share food with them. Ensure you're aware of all the ingredients in the food.

Inform Guests: Advise visitors not to share food scraps with your pet.

Safeguard Potentially Harmful Foods: Keep garlic, onions, chives, and other toxic foods out of your dog's reach. Store them securely in the refrigerator, a sealed cupboard, or a locked cabinet.

Tick and Flea Prevention: Exercise caution if you believe garlic is an effective method for preventing ticks and fleas. There is no scientific evidence to support this, and using garlic for this purpose can harm your dog and render them susceptible to infestations and diseases such as Lyme.

Conclusion

If you use garlic supplements, take measures to protect your pet from accessing them, as the ingestion of garlic pills can lead to anemia in dogs and cats. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the well-being and safety of your cherished canine companion, keeping them far away from the harmful allure of garlic.