Garlic, eaten in large quantities, is toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests enough garlic, it could lead to anemia and other problems with his/her heart, spleen, liver, and/or kidneys. However, garlic toxicity in dogs can be avoided by one simple method- feeding in moderation. Dogs can eat garlic and any other food with garlic but only in small amounts.
So what about garlic sauce? Can dogs eat garlic sauce? Here’s the answer- They can, but only in small quantities and that too, never regularly.
Before we move on to garlic sauce, here’s something you must know about garlic toxicity.
Garlic Toxicity In Dogs
The reason behind why garlic is toxic to dogs and other animals is because it contains thiosulfate. While thiosulfate doesn’t cause many problems for humans when ingested, it is extremely dangerous for dogs. This is because thiosulfate destroys an animal’s red blood cells and causes hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is caused when red blood cells are destroyed and the body fails to replace these red blood cells. This can lead to a number of things, including weakness, fatigue, pale gums, increased heart rate, and breathing difficulty.
Symptoms Of Garlic Toxicity
If a dog eats enough garlic, he/she may experience the following symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness, lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
- Dehydration
In extreme cases, dogs can also suffer from hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be formed in the dog’s spleen, which can be lethal for dogs. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
- Pale mucous membranes
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
If you think your dog has consumed a large amount of garlic, you should immediately take them to the vet. The sooner a diagnosis can be made, the more effective treatment might be.
How Much Garlic Can My Dog Eat Safely?
How much garlic you give your canine mainly depends on their weight and age. It is advised that puppies and older dogs not be fed at all. To calculate the amount of garlic your dog can eat, just use this rule of thumb:
- Small Breed Dogs: 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of garlic powder or one to three small cloves of garlic.
- Medium Breed Dogs: 3/4 – 1 tsp of garlic powder or four to five small cloves.
- Large Breed Dogs: 1-1.5 tsp of garlic powder or six to seven small cloves.
Provided that your dog takes pills, it is valuable to ask the veterinarian if they can have garlic. Each dog is different and reacts differently to foods. So, a little trial and error may be necessary. If you notice that your pet had diarrhea or vomiting after it has eaten garlic, do not give it again. Call your vet immediately and explain the situation in brief.
The Bottom Line On Feeding Garlic Sauce to Dogs
Dogs can eat garlic sauce in small amounts, but should they? No. We recommend you don’t feed any garlic sauce to dogs. But if the pooch wants to eat it no matter what, it is fine for them to eat in moderation. Be aware that garlic sauce may have a higher concentration of garlic compared to raw garlic or garlic powder. And garlic isn’t the only ingredient in garlic sauce you should be worried about. Other ingredients like salt, sugars, and fats can cause your dog to become overweight. So, don’t feed it too often. Make sure you check the ingredients used for making the sauce and only feed it to your dog in moderation. If they begin feeling sick, discontinue feeding the sauce and contact the vet for advice.
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