Garlic makes food taste great. But not for our canine companions. It can be toxic to dogs at normal cooking amounts. If your dog ate a clove of garlic, he is probably safe. On the other hand, some can adversely react to even small amounts of the stuff.
Why is Garlic Bad for Dogs?
Garlic contains substances called thiosulfates, which are toxic to dogs. When ingested, thiosulfates damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. This damage reduces the red blood cells' ability to transport oxygen efficiently, resulting in less oxygen reaching the vital organs. Consequently, dogs may show weakness, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.
Two specific thiosulfates, bis-2-propenyl trisulfide, and bis-2-propenyl, cause this damage. These compounds prevent hemoglobin from repairing itself and carrying oxygen properly, causing anemia. Eventually, the condition compromises the structure of red blood cells, making them brittle and breakable. This condition, known as hemolysis, can be fatal for dogs.
Common symptoms of the condition include:
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Appetite Loss
● Stomach Pain
● Depression
● Dehydration.
● Bloody urine
● Breathing difficulty.
Garlic poisoning symptoms can show up days later. If you suspect your dog ate a clove of garlic, contact your vet immediately.
How Much Garlic Is Poisonous For Dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, it takes between 15 and 30 grams of garlic to damage blood cells. That’s per kilogram of body weight. On average, garlic from the supermarket weighs between 3 and 7 grams. This means a dog would need to eat a lot of garlic to get sick.
However, some dogs are more sensitive to garlic than others. Even smaller amounts can be harmful if eaten over a few days. This means that repeated exposure to smaller doses can also cause problems. But cooked garlic for dogs can also be unhealthy for pups that are allergic or sensitive to it.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate Garlic
If your sensitive dog ate a clove of garlic or a healthy one ate a whole bulb, take action immediately:
Take the Garlic Away
Stop your dog from eating any more garlic. Remove any food items with garlic from the area and clean up any mess. Pick up discarded packets. If possible, take food with garlic from your dog’s mouth. Supervise your dog to prevent scavenging. Keep packets or containers to show your vet.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Encourage your dog to drink water to flush out their system. Dehydration can worsen toxicity, so it is crucial to ensure they have access to fresh water.
Monitor Closely
Keep a close eye on your dog's condition. Note any changes in behavior or appearance. Avoid giving any home remedies or medications unless specifically instructed by your vet.
Contact the Vet
Call your vet immediately. Inform them about the situation as soon as possible. Stay calm and provide as much information as you can. They will probably ask you the following questions:
● What type of garlic was eaten (raw, powder, oil, etc.)?
● How much was eaten?
● When was the garlic eaten?
● How big is your dog?
● How much does your dog weigh?
● Is your dog showing any signs of illness?
● Does your dog have any health issues?
● Is your dog on any medication?
Follow your vet’s instructions. They will likely ask you to bring your dog in. Go to the vet as quickly as possible to avoid delays. Bring any packets or wrappers with you.
Do not try to treat your dog at home. Your dog needs appropriate veterinary care. Do not attempt to make your dog vomit, as DIY methods can be dangerous. Monitoring your dog at home is unadvisable since you can’t know the extent of the damage. If you wait for clinical signs, it might be too late.
How the Vet Will Treat Your Dog for Garlic Poisoning
If you see serious garlic poisoning symptoms in your pet, immediately take it to the vet. Here are the treatment steps they will follow:
Emergency Treatment
The vet may induce vomiting to remove stomach contents. After that, activated charcoal is given to trap leftover toxins and prevent them from entering the bloodstream.
Diagnostic Tests
The vet will perform blood and urine tests to check for signs of toxicity. These tests detect electrolyte imbalances, red blood cell damage (hemolysis), or liver damage caused by the garlic toxins.
Treatment for Severe Cases
Dogs showing advanced symptoms may require hospitalization. They might receive IV fluids to stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Oxygen therapy could be necessary if breathing difficulty occurs. A blood transfusion might be needed to restore oxygen-carrying capacity in severe hemolytic cases.
Dogs with mild symptoms or early treatment for garlic toxicity typically recover well. Those with severe complications may have a more uncertain outlook but can still recover with intensive medical care.
What to Do After Your Dog’s Garlic Poisoning Treatment
After your dog has been treated for garlic poisoning, follow these tips to ensure a comfortable and quick recovery:
● Follow prescribed medication schedules or dietary restrictions strictly. Your vet may recommend specific foods or supplements to support health.
● Attend follow-up appointments as recommended to monitor your dog's progress and recovery.
● Keep a close eye on your dog for any lingering symptoms of garlic toxicity, such as weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or behavioral changes.
● Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water to stay hydrated.
● Allow your dog time to rest and recuperate before resuming regular exercise and activities.
Cooked garlic for dogs in small amounts is usually fine. However, it can prove fatal if your pet is sensitive to it. So, it's best to keep food with garlic out of their reach. Make sure you have your vet on speed dial as well. Your dog may get into those garlic knots when your back is turned.
With prompt veterinary care and closely monitoring your pet's recovery, you can ensure they return to their playful selves. Remember to create a safe environment, follow your vet's advice diligently, and prevent future incidents proactively.
