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Everyone knows garlic is very healthy, but does this also apply to dogs?
The truth is this:
There are potential benefits for fully-grown animals but, at the same time, harm is also possible.
Though there are downsides to feeding your dog garlic, that doesn’t mean it must be strictly off limits. Keep reading to learn more…
Your Dog Can Have Garlic In Tiny Amounts
Feeding small portions is relatively safe.
It is cats that should never eat any garlic. While dogs are relatively sensitive as well, this wonderful ingredient can be fed sparingly.
Just be sure to go easy when initially giving your buddy this pungent-flavored food.
That means limiting portions to 1 clove, or perhaps 2 garlic cloves for larger breeds.
When Garlic is Unsafe
Though garlic is safe in small amounts, there are times to avoid sharing.
Do not feed garlic prior to a surgery. It is also not recommended for anemic dogs.
And puppies shouldn’t partake since their blood cells aren’t fully developed.
The Medicinal Benefits
Garlic has long been a natural remedy.
With more than 30 compounds, it’s good for many ailments. It can even be an antibiotic in crushed form.
This is one amazing holistic medicinal plant and with the same health benefits for dogs.
Immune System Boost
Garlic enhances the functions of the bloodstream by boosting killer cells. These are responsible for destroying cancer and other harmful microbes.
Giving your dog garlic fortifies the immune system and protects against certain diseases. Also, adding it to your furry friend’s diet means they’ll get plenty of protein, vitamins B6 and C and other minerals.
Doggie Detoxification
Garlic, related to ginger, also detoxifies. Some of its compounds improve liver function by eliminating harmful toxins.
Toxic accumulation, which can cause canine cancer, may be stopped and possibility overcome by eating garlic.
For Fighting Infections
Garlic cloves are a potent antibiotic and anti-microbial. It will fight against a dog’s parasitic, fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
Crushed garlic, mixed in olive oil, is an antiseptic for ear mites, ear infections and minor injuries.
Adding some fresh garlic to your dog’s diet is preventative for infections of the intestines, mouth, respiratory tract, throat and stomach.
Repels Ticks And Fleas
Garlic’s strong odor keeps away ticks and fleas. It is, perhaps, the best practical use for dogs!
Reasons To Be Cautious
Garlic belongs to the Allium family with chives, onions and scallions.
Some dogs are allergic. Normally though, garlic is only harmful in large doses.
It does have the potential to trigger Heinz bodies or oxidative damage to your animal’s red blood cells. This can cause anemia and, in rare situations, even death.
The Bottom Line
Most dogs can eat small portions of garlic.
It is generally healthy and a useful natural remedy. Just be conservative and feed only 1 clove, or 2 maximum for big breeds.
Keep in mind that too much garlic can be harmful — especially for puppies and animals deficient of red blood cells.
Be on the lookout for allergic reactions whenever introducing new foods to your dog.
My dog discovered a small area of garlic in our yard which was planted a few years ago and comes back every spring. It’s just coming up and my dog eats the tops. He seems fine. I wonder if the tops, rather than the bulb is still OK for him. I’m probably going to dig the garlic up just to be safe.
I have a friend and she and her mother both have always given their dogs 1-3 cloves garlic per week. They use it for flea prevention. Their dogs have never had fleas and never been sick from eating the garlic.
Our Collie mongrel once discovered a patch of wild garlic (ransoms) and dug up and ate the lot. It didn’t seem to harm her at all, although her breath and poo utterly reeked of garlic for a week afterwards. She was terrible for snuffling stuff out when on walks and would eat anything. I once found her slurping up frogspawn out of a pond.
I give my 2 Pit Bulls garlic every day. Yes, it is good for the dogs. It helps them not to get worms in their tummies and cleans their urine and helps them fight off flies.
I am trying to help my female Pit Bull rid a bladder infection from a tumor. I want to help kill it. Is garlic good for that?
Is it okay to give my twin girl half Beagle half Rottweiler garlic pills that are natural supplements?
My dad has always put garlic powder on top of his dog’s food, mixed in with soft and dry dog food and a tablespoon of liver oil. He has never ever had fleas on either of his outside dogs and after brushing the dogs’ coats, they shine.
My dog wound up with ticks and fleas after we moved into a former rental house. I had to have the house and dogs treated. My dad says that fleas and ticks can’t stand the scent of garlic. He also sprays them with diluted apple cider vinegar.
Garlic is good for dogs in small amounts. Half a clove every other day for a medium sized dog is good. It’s the only vegetable in the onion family that you can give to dogs. It has many health benefits like being a natural dewormer (killing internal parasites) and keeping fleas at bay.
I have read that garlic juice is recommended for dogs as a natural way to prevent ticks and fleas. Is this true given that garlic is toxic?
I personally wouldn’t give garlic juice to my dog.
I have a year old Pit bull, male. I give him one clove every month, or every other month. I live in an area with a higher risk of ticks and fleas. He takes regular walks in high risk tick areas (with him rolling around in the bushes). He is around other dogs with fleas on a normal basis.
I have never once had to buy a flea/tick medication. Either the garlic works, or he just isn’t susceptible for whatever reason. They just don’t bother biting him. Through my almost year of owning him, I’ve found a total of one tick and one flea while cleaning the ears.
Kelsey that is interesting. We can’t be sure the garlic is a defense against fleas and ticks but it is plausible. Thanks for sharing the info.
Kelsey, I also believed that garlic was good against fleas and ticks. However, veterinarians at Michigan State University told me never to give my dog garlic. It does not process inside them as it does with humans. It can lead to other complications with their stomachs.
I have 3 Pomeranians and the oldest is 8 years old. He has had a dental procedure recently. I suspected that although I have cleaned his teeth almost everyday since I got him as a puppy, that he would be in average condition and would need at least 3 or more tooth extractions.
I am happy and shocked to say that he only had two extractions done, ( 1-minor incisor) and one very small molar in the very back (hard to reach area for maintenance.) Other that that, his teeth & gums are healthy, and I strongly think that it is due to my use of garlic in his diet.
I do not use large amounts. I use it once a week & I have been doing so since I got him as a puppy. Also since the doctor didn’t prescribe any antibiotics for him I use this to prevent infection. Garlic is a highly recommended antibiotic among homeopathic vets.
His sister also had dental work. She is 7 years old but she is much smaller & has smaller teeth. This is her third dental visit in 7 years. She had only two minor extractions done (incisors in the lower mandible.) This was to prevent any decay from those incisors affecting her large lower canine tooth next to them. In general, she has beautiful white teeth and healthy pink gums.
All in all, I think in small amounts according to homeopathic veterinary recommendations, garlic is very beneficial for all my dogs. I’m learning many other herbs like turmeric are good also.
I would highly recommend garlic as a canine antibiotic unless the dog has other underlying issues directly correlated with a blood disorder, example being anemia. Too much of anything thing isn’t good overall. But in small amounts, for a small dog – it works wonders!
Only a minuscule amount for taste.