The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by bruce (Hunstville, Al, USA) on 07/02/2007
★★★★★
I feed my dog Garlic for tick defence. I have been feeding my dog ( 3 yrs old) Garlic shavings for about a year to defend against ticks. He is a neutered collie type. I have not encountered any adverse effects and he is sharp and lively. The ticks he picks up seem to fall off more easily after this diet - I presume they don't like the taste it leaves in the blood. Not sure why it works but I think it makes him more healthy as well.
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Mrsfluffurs (Port Richey, Fl, Usa) on 12/14/2011
Question: I have read several posts about garlic pills. 2 out of 3 of my dogs will not eat the garlic in their food, I have also tried to hide the garlic in people food but they caught on. It doesn't matter if I use fresh or powdered garlic, they won't eat it. I have 1 tea cup Pomeranian, about 5lbs, a regular size Pomeranian, about 15lbs, and a terrier mix, about 20lbs. The garlic pills I have are the pearl kind with the garlic oil inside. The bottle says garlic oil 2000mg and on the back in the supplement facts box it says: amount per softgel:order less garlic oil 100:1, then under percent of daily value: 20mg. Under that the bottle states:(equivalent to 2000mg of fresh garlic bulb).
I have no idea how many mg are in a clove of garlic. These numbers seem high to me. I don't want to overdose my dogs and cause them harm.
Those of you that give your dogs garlic pills or soft gels how much do you give them? What does your bottle say as far as mg? Are my soft gels safe for my babies? I would really appreciate any help. We just lost one of our dogs last week. She was bitten by a snake. She was 16 yrs old. I wish I knew about the benefits of garlic before, maybe she would still be with us. I have 4 special needs children that we adopted, and the dogs have played a HUGE role in the children's therapy, I want to prolong the lives of my other 3 dogs, I can't bear to lose another dog and it's been absolutely devastating for the children. So if anyone knows if it's ok to give the dogs garlic in pill or softgel form and if so how much. Thank you very much.
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Dogma (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 12/19/2011
Garlic is good for dogs but only in small amounts. Many vets and articles say no to garlic because there is potential to overdose = heart failure. You ARE trying to give way too much and likely, even the dogs know it. As we should listen to the wisdom of the children, we should do the same for our pets! And ourselves, obviously your intuition is warning you. Yes, those doses will likely kill them. They hardly need more than a little sliver for their size - for immune boosting, pest repellant, etc.
What are you giving it to them for, I wonder.
Find a holistic vet you can work with. They might suggest something better or a combination of things depending on your needs. At the least they would give proper dosage. You don't have to have one in your area - many of them will do phone consults. Your job is just to find one that you respect and trust to give you advice on natural remedies specific for your dogs. Organic Raw garlic is best - maybe hide a little sliver in a bit of organic beef? A dog who won't take something you hand them for no reason might take it if you get them to do a trick and the put it out as a treat which the usually take so quickly there is little time for investigation.
I'll check back to see if you have any more questions. In the mean time, take those pills yourself - sounds like you should be boosting your immune system with a house full of loving souls that need you!
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Philip (Rancho Cucamonga, Ca/ Usa) on 05/21/2012
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Suseeq (Sydney Australia) on 11/26/2014
Mark, what did you cure your dog from?
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 04/17/2015
5 Pooches: Your messages are the best, very straight forward and to the point. How-ever, Neem oil on a pet's fur is not good as they tend to lap their fur constantly and Neem oil is like taking hot sauce and pouring it in your mouth or even worse.
Good Luck/love your posts.
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 07/21/2015
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Debby/Ca. Again I am sorry for past comment and hope to retract the statement on and about giving my dogs garlic where I later found it is in fact poison to our pets.I have in the past found that probiotics are by far better for dogs only in very small moderations where it has helped my pets, I now still have the same dog that is very close to a 100 yrs.old, she is blind, an going deaf, she still gets around an loves to play. But needless to say garlic salt is poison to people what do you think it does to animals? I have watched animals live out in the wild for years, and this is what they do in order to eat & survive, they pick rubbish barrels and sniff the food, if it cannot be eaten by humans neither will an animal eat it. I said this to say, we as humans need to be more aware of what we DO give our pets." When in doubt(?) Do nothing....
http://www.petguide.com/health/dog/the-shocking-truth-about-dogs-and-garlic/
Is It Safe?
Posted by Sue (Cobb, California) on 06/20/2007
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Just heard the report recently regarding Do Not Give your dogs Garlic... Well! I've been giving Max my 8 year old cocker spaniel garlic every day of his life. I prepare his food each week and add approximately 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic for taste. He is a very healthy, robust 8 year old. So I have to refute this finding.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Walter (Marietta, Georgia) on 04/04/2007
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Thanks for posting all the info about garlic. I think it's interesting how the FDA & Vets say not to do so much that as far as I can see does so much good. Thanks, Walt
Is It Safe?
Posted by Belle (Kansas, Kansas) on 03/26/2007
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I heard that you shouldn't give your dog garlic but I've always given my dog garlic every day during summers and she never has fleas or ticks. I give her an odor free supplement made for humans (we take it too) in a glob of peanut butter and she loves it!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Diane (Tucson, AZ) on 03/20/2007
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I've got two nine-year-old mutts who get a clove or two of cooked garlic in their dinner about twice a week. One weighs 35# and the other 40#. They've been eating garlic this way all their lives. Still going strong. It's not a cure for anything. It's a healthy garnish.
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Gavin (Killarney Vale, N.S.W. Australia) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
I have fed my Dingo cross bred 1 clove of garlic thinly sliced in his nightly bowl of dry food for 3 weeks so far to cure flea infestation. I have tried both top brand remedies available in Australia, (Frontline & Advantage) to no avail.The dog laps it up and the fleas have gone. No side effect so far. He does not smell like an Italian restaurant, however his coat is also very shiny. Is this too much as I have heard that Garlic is both good & bad. Most reports of bad seem to come from Vets who would lose money by not selling/promoting their sponsored product.
General Feedback
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Usa) on 07/12/2011
General Feedback
Posted by Huskypat (Canaan, Ct Usa) on 11/21/2012
I have used Brewer's Yeast with Garlic tabs since 1972 and have not had a flea ot tick on any dog. I know ticks are around because I occasionally get one stuck in my head or neck - lol. I have had 7 dogs that have passed on - and all lived past 10 years of age with hardly any health problems - my last one to be put down was my lab Millie - she was 13 years and 8 months old - her sister Mollie turned 14 in August and is still going strong - missed Millie but now has a new 8 year old pal named Benji and Mollie is bouncing around like a puppy - sleeps a lot, but when awake she is bounding down the hallway, running out the dog door and rolling around on the living room carpet - sleeps on her bed next to mine or on the futon or couch. She has enjoyed life from what I have seen and I have never taken any of my dogs to the vet more than for an annual checkup. But, the brewer's yeast with garlic tabs (available at stores that sell dog supplies or online) is given according to weight. I highly recommend it.
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Gisela E Scruggs (Al) on 09/22/2018
Thank you! I have a new dachshund and he brought fleas with him. No flea control found for young puppies. They drove me out of the house. I finally cut up a garlic clove, made a little pocket and tied it around his neck. Have not seen the fleas (they're probably moved to my bedroom), but worried that the garlic could hurt my little dog. Again, thanks.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Veronica (Epping, Victoria Australia) on 02/04/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I read this on petinsurance.com this is just a small paragraph I copied.
Since garlic is significantly more concentrated than an onion, an even smaller ingested amount will likely lead to toxicosis; as little as one clove of garlic can lead to toxicity in dogs and cats.
It concerns me that you recommend garlic in dog food. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I've read this on a lot of websites.... All I did was Google "is garlic poisonous to dogs! " and they all say a big NO don't feed it to dogs as it's 10 times more poisonous than onions! The only ones who say it isn't are natural websites like yours.
Please give me some proven research to use, but because I love my animals, I would never give them Garlic.
Thank you for taking the time to read this...
Is It Safe?
Posted by Diamond (Ma., US) on 04/17/2015
★★★★★
Is It Safe?
Posted by Serena (Texarkana Texas) on 03/14/2016
I fed Charlie a SM garlic clove with his hard food and a wennie he wanted more very very happy.my 1st dog=cokerspainel poodle mix 16 to 20 lbs. Question did I do good
Is It Safe?
Posted by Mrsbark (Erie, Mi) on 01/17/2013
Garlic has been listed as a potential cause of immune mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs. This is an incureable, debilitating disease in which the immune system attacks the blood cells. Our imha dog had to have weekly bloodtests, could not be expsed to any potential irritants to her immune system, and had to go onto a steroid regimen that may have cost her her life. I know garlic is in many high quality foods and holistic remedies but the risk, I feel, is too great.
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa1 (Chula Vista, Ca) on 01/13/2013
This site has been a Godsend for me and my dogs. Thank you from us all.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Nitro (Farmington, Nm) on 08/25/2012
I am writing about the garlic debate for dogs. I just got back from a stop at the health store, looking for a cure to his 9 yr old dogs sensitive skin. Bought some natural flea dog soap and in conversation with the checkout I decided to look into the ingredients in her food looking for corn, wheat or soy as possible allergy culprit. Sure enough has corn and a bunch of other crappy preserves and who knows what else. Well, thought those against garlic may be forwarned - look into your dog food ingredients - we use Purina Dog Chow and one of the ingredients I noticed was Garlic Oil. Not sure where I stand yet on Garlic as I am still collecting my data and doing my research. Just thought you should know Garlic may already be in the food you feed your dog and you dont even know it.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Tami (Mocksville, Nc, Usa) on 07/15/2012
OK... I have a chiwawa/pekingese male with tapeworms... Been diagnosis by a vet already, he is about 20lbs and yes he is overweight but we are working on that. Anyways, I tried tobacco but not sure if I am giving him enough, I'm worried I'll give him to much so I quit with that. I have garlic cloves in the frig but with so much different information I dont know how much to give him or even if I should. He was treated but the vet, did'nt work, vet said bring him back, well I want to try other treatments. I am also thinking about the food grade DE, but would need a dosage amount. Any current information on how to deal with these tapeworms would be greatly appreciated. I'm just scared I'm gonna hurt the little guy...HELP!!!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Ann (Bristol) on 08/05/2016
I have had many dogs. Mostly German Shepherds, Pyrys and now a Rottweiler. Have always used Dene's garlic capsules. They have never had fleas and with one Pyry lived longer because of it. As all his siblings died at about 3 years old. I always tell my vet that I am giving it to my dogs. Not one of them has even made a comment to say not too. Ann
Is It Safe?
Posted by Suseeq (Sydney, Australia) on 08/05/2016
Ann, I also give my dogs garlic. I give my dogs a supplement which is endorsed by a vet which has garlic 5x a week. As a kid my dog ate onions which were given with the table scraps and lived to a ripe old age, no harm done.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Msmoneypenny (New Haven, Ct) on 06/26/2012
Garlic is indeed healthy for dogs in moderation. Many high-end dog foods have it as an ingredient, holistic veterinarians recommend it. Just don't overdo.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Lydia (Fresno, California) on 02/22/2012
Please help I have 1 almost 2 month puppy he is a poodle terrier mix so he is very tiny. I read online garlic is very good for dogs so I gave him a piece and now I'm freaken out cause I did more research and its saying they can die. WHAT DO I DO? PLEASE HELP cause I'm very low on money and I need to have my best friend live.
THANK YOU :/
Is It Safe?
Posted by Tamarpalm (St Paul, Alberta, Canada) on 06/11/2012
I have been giving my dogs garlic for years - but not everyday, and not tons of it. I also have big dogs - not little ones. I have read in many places that were natural sources and they do mention that garlic can decrease the number of red cells. It stated that puppies can NOT rebuild their red blood cells quick enough to handle garlic. It also mentioned that when one used garlic on an adult dog, that a couple of times wasn't bad when followed with a break to let them rebuild their blood supply.
With smaller dogs I would be very careful, and with puppies I would pass. I have had amazing almost miraculous results with garlic with my dogs as well as my sheep and goats, but always I have relied on moderation. There is lots of information on herbal and natural remedies for animals in book form. Their is also lots of other options if garlic isn't for you or your dog. Sometimes, less is more.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Debi (Bayonne, Nj Usa) on 01/07/2012
★☆☆☆☆
Please be careful using garlic for your pets. My dog suffered bad allergies so I began cooking her food with onions and using garlic for fleas; in those days there were no guidelines. Well, she died of kidney failure; that is when I learned dogs cannot have onions or garlic. She trusted me to take care of her, I didn't know better, now you do.
There is always one pet that stands out over the others in our lives, she was it and I short changed her life.
Now, many years later, we have a dog who is now old so I don't want any harmful chemicals to keep the fleas away. I use garlic but not internally; I purchase a cheap garlic powder from the grocery store and rub her down with it, it works. Some don't like the odor, more importantly neither do the fleas. Best to you all with your loving pets.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Melisse Clark (Victoria) on 12/12/2016
My friend's 9 m-o King Charles Cavalier was given lamb with some garlic in it. She didn't eat much but she's been passing watery, blood-stained stools for 12 hours & crying. It's now been 24 hrs since she's eaten & the diarrhoea has stopped but she still looks sorry for herself. Very avoidable! I'll be feeding her plain boiled rice for now.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Fiona (Kingston, Ontario) on 09/26/2011
I just called my vet. Chopped garlic/fresh garlic is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure even with one dose. Please discuss your pet's health with a professional and do not rely on the internet for your dog's health and welfare. They deserve better!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Renee (Mountain House, California) on 10/15/2011
Garlic pills are ok for dog but not fresh garlic.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Whistleblower (Portland, Maine) on 09/12/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Hold it right there. Put the garlic down! Garlic has a remarkable amount of uses for humans but DO NOT FEED GARLIC TO DOGS!!!!! Garlic breaks down dog's red blood cells leading to anemia and possibly kidney failrure from leaking hemoglobin!!! Check this fact out on any veterinary website or textbook. Shame on you Earth Clinic for suggesting it without doing your research!!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Cathy (Houston, Tx) on 07/03/2012
I have used garlic in the past with great success. However, I have never known a safe or appropriate dose. When I asked my Vet I was given the same answer many of you have. Since my American Bulldog is my service dog I complied with my Vets orders. All of the expensive flea remedies did not work. Further I could see a sluggishness in my dog that was not present when he was on garlic. Therefore, I would like go back to a natural treatment. Can anyone advise me of a dosage that would be safe?
