Since garlic is a staple ingredient in so many things we humans love to eat, you may be wondering—can dogs eat garlic too? The short answer is no, garlic isn’t safe for dogs. Even if those puppy dog eyes are pleading with you to share your deliciously garlicky dinner, keep it out of your dog’s reach—even a small amount of garlic can be toxic and cause serious health issues.

In this article, we’ll cover why garlic is harmful for your pup, how much is dangerous, and what to do if your dog eats garlic—from symptoms to look for to when to go to the emergency vet.

Why is garlic dangerous for dogs?

Garlic contains a compound that can damage red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic anemia—a condition that causes red blood cells to be destroyed faster than they’re produced. When this happens, there are no longer enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Garlic is considered toxic to dogs in any form, including:

• Raw garlic

• Cooked garlic

• Minced garlic

• Garlic powder

• Garlic salt

Foods cooked with or that contain garlic are also a no-no—like garlic bread, marinades, and dips to name a few—as garlic can be dangerous if only a small amount is ingested and repeated exposure increases risk. Plus, the damage isn’t always immediate; if your dog eats garlic, they may seem fine at first and then become sick hours or even days later.

Here’s another important fact to note: Garlic is part of the Allium family, which includes onions, chives, and leeks. These foods are also toxic to dogs, so keep your pet away from them too!

Garlic and other foods in the Allium family—including, onions, chives and leeks—are toxic to dogs and should be kept safely out of your pet's reach

How much garlic is toxic to dogs?

The amount of garlic that is toxic to your dog varies, depending on the size of your pup, how much is consumed, and the type of garlic eaten. Dogs vary in sensitivity—small dogs are generally more sensitive than large dogs, so it’s likely more risky for a Yorkie to eat a piece of garlic bread than a Great Dane.

Plus, some forms of garlic are more potent than others. If your dog ingests garlic powder, it can be much more dangerous than if they ate the same amount of fresh garlic, as garlic powder is more concentrated. The real answer is that no amount of garlic is safe for your dog; avoidance is your best bet.

Signs and symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs

Symptoms of garlic poisoning may not appear right away. Here’s what to watch for:

Early signs of garlic poisoning (within hours to one day)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Drooling

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

Delayed signs of garlic poisoning (several days later)

• Weakness

• Pale gums

• Rapid breathing

• Increased heart rate

• Dark or reddish urine

• Collapse

Red blood cell damage can occur as long as 2–5 days after ingestion, which is why your dog may seem fine at first and then become very ill days later.

When garlic ingestion is an emergency for dogs

If your dog ingested garlic, there are several symptoms that indicate it’s emergency:

• Weakness

• Pale gums

• Rapid breathing

• Vomiting that won’t stop

• Collapse

In any of these cases, head to your emergency vet right away, as early treatment can prevent severe anemia. Your vet can perform bloodwork to assess red blood cell damage and provide treatment, from inducing vomiting (if very recent ingestion) to giving IV fluids or oxygen therapy.

What if your dog ate garlic but isn’t showing immediate symptoms?

If you know a large amount of garlic was eaten, you have a small dog that ate a noticeable amount, or if you’re unsure of how much garlic was consumed, it’s always safer to have your pet evaluated. Early treatment can prevent the worst from happening to your beloved pup!

What should you do if your dog eats garlic?

If your furry companion eats garlic or any food that is poisonous for dogs, early action can make all the difference. These three steps can help:

• Stay calm and remove access to any remaining garlic so your pet can’t eat more.

• Try to estimate how much was eaten and when.

• Call your primary vet or your local VEG emergency vet right away.

Never induce vomiting at home unless directed by a veterinary professional, and don’t sit around and wait for symptoms to appear, since it can take hours or even days to see any signs of garlic toxicity.

If you notice symptoms of garlic poisoning or you're not sure how much garlic your dog ate, it's always a good idea to consult your local emergency ER vet.

Seek emergency care if your dog ate garlic

If you know or suspect your dog ate garlic, it's always better to consult a veterinary professional—even if you don’t see immediate signs of garlic poisoning.

VEG is open 24/7 to provide your pet with emergency care, and with hospitals all over the U.S. and in Canada, your local team is always there to guide you in the best direction for your pet. Call and speak directly with an emergency vet or visit any VEG location to ensure your pet gets the emergency care they need, when they need it most.