Can dogs have garlic? What to do if your dog accidentally eats some.

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY
Updated ·3 min read

Hated by vampires and loved by humans, garlic adds a potent and delicious flavor to any savory dish. It’s also healthy – the organic sulfur compounds that give garlic its potent smell are packed with antioxidants to protect against cell damage.

But just because it’s healthy for us doesn’t mean our furry friends can get in on the fun. Many human foods are toxic to canines, like avocados, grapes and chocolate.

Here’s what to know if your dog got into some garlic.

Can dogs eat garlic?

Garlic is toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog doesn’t ingest any garlic, onions, leeks or chives, which belong to the plant genus Allium and are dangerous for cats and dogs. Garlic is the most toxic of that group.

“It’s one of the most commonly not-noticed toxicities because people will not think about the fact that most food has garlic or onion in it,” says Diana Watkins, a veterinarian and owner of 143 Veterinary Services in Cohasset, Massachusetts. “You really have to make sure you’re reading the labels.”

This includes chicken broth, which is safe to give dogs with an upset stomach. Garlic powder is more toxic than cloves because it’s more concentrated, Watkins says.

While some have examined potential safe dosage uses of garlic for disease prevention, the common consensus among veterinarians based on previous research is that it's too risky to try out at home because of the known toxicity.

Can my dog eat that?: Here's what is and isn't safe for your pet

What happens if my dog eats garlic?

Garlic contains oxidizing agents that, in dogs, destroy red blood cells and make it so their organs don't get enough oxygen. These dogs develop hemolytic anemia, which is a low red blood cell count that causes various health complications and even death. Some dog breeds of Japanese descent, like Akita and Shiba Inu, may have a higher risk for onion toxicity, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

Symptoms of anemia may take three to five days to appear in your dog, according to Watkins. Keep an eye out for any of these signs:

  • Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea

  • Depression

  • High heart rate

  • High respiratory rate

  • Loss of appetite

  • Weakness or unwillingness to exercise

  • Pale gums

  • Yellow hue in the whites of the eyes

  • Red or brown urine

The amount depends on the dog's weight and size, though Watkins advises owners to call for professional help if their dog eats any amount of garlic.

If your dog ate something toxic or is exhibiting signs of anemia, contact your local emergency vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Does garlic kill fleas in dogs?

One popular misconception is that garlic is a good remedy for getting rid of fleas in dogs. Not only is this not true – garlic would not protect against fleas and ticks, Watkins says – it could potentially be toxic.

A safer bet for owners is a vet-recommended tick or flea treatment.

Tick on your dog? How to remove it, plus when to worry

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can dogs eat garlic? Here's how toxic the food may be for your pup.