For most dog owners, it’s pretty common knowledge that garlic is bad for dogs. While it’s a staple for many human meals, garlic is a very risky ingredient for dogs as it can cause some health complications and problems, especially in large doses.
So, if you catch your dog eating garlic, it may be scary and might even cause some to panic. Still, don’t worry: garlic poisoning is rarely fatal for dogs. However, even if it isn’t fatal, proper treatment is still necessary to ensure your dog’s health and safety.
That’s why we’ve made this guide that contains everything you need to do if you catch your dog eating garlic. We made sure to lay out all the information clearly so that you know exactly what to do if your dog eats garlic.
Read below to find out why is garlic bad for dogs to eat.
Why Is Garlic Bad for Dogs?
The reason garlic is bad for dogs is a toxic substance known as n-propyl disulfide. This compound is safe for humans to ingest, but it isn’t for dogs. This substance attacks the red blood cells, which are vital for supplying oxygen to different parts of the body. These cells are also responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the blood, which is vital for normal bodily functions.
When your dog ingests too much garlic, the toxins can cause some negative reactions. On top of that, n-propyl disulfide is present in all the members of the allium family which include onions, chives, shallots, and more.
So, if you enjoy putting these ingredients in your meals, make sure to not include them in your dog’s food. And if you want to learn more about garlic poisoning in dogs, here’s a definitive guide to help you
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Garlic
If you have experience with dogs then you know that they often find themselves in places they shouldn’t be, doing things they shouldn’t be doing. So, if ever you find your dog rummaging through the pantry and stumbling across your garlic stash, don’t act surprised, since this is something that happens to a lot of dog owners.
While this might happen to a lot of people, that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Garlic poisoning is a major issue for dogs and it can be avoided if you make sure your dog doesn’t have access to these toxic ingredients.
But if your dog still found a way to get to the garlic or ate the garlic plants in your garden, there are certain steps you have to take to ensure their safety. Firstly, you shouldn’t panic. Panicking can cause unneeded stress on you and your dog, so make sure to take a breath or two and approach the situation calmly.
Once you’ve calmed down, here are all the things you need to do if you catch your dog eating garlic:
Get Them Away From It
To reduce the risk of severe garlic poisoning, the first thing you have to do if your dog eats garlic is to get them away from it. The more garlic your dog eats, the more they are at risk of developing symptoms and health complications.
So, your first priority needs to be taking the garlic out of their mouth and removing them from the area. This also might be a good time to move the garlic to a different place where you know your dog won’t reach.
If your dog ate garlic from a pack or ate food with garlic in it, it might be best to keep the packaging. The packaging may contain information on how much garlic is in the product, which is very important when explaining the situation to your vet.
Observe Your Dog
After getting the garlic away from your dog, it’s important to observe how they react. Remember, each dog is different and unique, so they might have different reactions to the ingredient. Sometimes, your dog may not even have a reaction, especially if they only ate a little bit of garlic.
If your dog seems fine right after eating the garlic, observe them closely for the next 24 hours to make sure really don’t develop symptoms.
Call the Vet
If you notice your dog vomiting, is lethargic or has developed diarrhea after eating garlic, it’s best to call the vet. Again, garlic poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs, but your pet still might need treatment to ensure a comfortable recovery process.
And if you’re feeling anxious about your pet’s condition even if they don’t have symptoms, it won’t hurt to give your vet a call and schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
Garlic poisoning is a real issue for dogs. So, if you catch your pet going through the pantry and eating garlic, it’s important to act fast and observe.
And if your dog starts developing symptoms of garlic poisoning such as lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, it’s crucial to call your vet.
The sooner you administer treatment, the more comfortable it will be for your dog, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if your dog starts showing any symptoms.