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.
Parasites
Posted by Janice (Bodmin, Cornwall, UK) on 11/30/2008
★★★★★
my gran used to breed dogs for crufts many years ago, she told me she never brought flea or worm products but used cloves of garlic chopped up and put with the dog food once a month,i was dubious about this old wives tale, but there is always an element of truth in the old tales, ive tried garlic on my four dogs, ages ranging fom 16 down to 5 months, they are all healthy, havent seen no fleas or worms, im a believer.
Parasites
Posted by Ivy (Longwood, Fla) on 11/16/2010
Both my four year old mutts are allergic to flea bites and will scratch and bite themselves raw. I simply give them one small raw clove of garlic daily and coat it in cream cheese or stuffed in a piece of steak and in three days or less, poof, everything is back to normal. The mosquitoes and bugs leave them along too!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Sharlena (Capable, Ca) on 04/12/2018
★★★☆☆
I have been using garlic tablets for about a week and fleas are still on them... how long does it take to start working?
Skin
Posted by Jan (Niwot, CO) on 11/04/2008
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I have 4 cocker spaniels. Anyone who has had cockers knows they have ear problems. Also they are prone to skin conditions. I had 2 previous cockers one that skin condition so bad at 8 years old.........she got so sick and died. The other I spent a fortune on medications again and lived to 7. I bought a very healthy male and female at 6 weeks old. Waited to make sure they had no skin or health problems. Of course they were on otomax every other month That's the ear thing. We breed them and had a litter of pups. We kept 2 of them. One of them has severe ear and skin problems. All of a sudden the Mom started the skin problem. Again vet bills on medications. I have changed food so many times figuring allergy. I finally went to a no-grain dog food. The ears and skin cleared up , but it kept reacurring every couple months. I finally did 2 days of searching on the internet. They are still on the no grain dog food........but, I am adding a teaspoon of chopped garlic packed in water to their dinner meal. Also a few squirts of flaxseed oil, and a little powdered Acidophilis. We keep treating a condition and not getting to the root!!! After 4 days.and a bath 2x a week with Selsum blue shampoo. my baby that has had problems all her life (3 years) does not scratch any more. great skin and coat. and no more bad ears!!!! The other three have had same diet and they are amazingly more happy and active. They don't scratch anymore either!!! I know it's the garlic!!! It is the best natural medication there is!!!! They all weight about 20 pounds each..........and for 3 weeks now.no side effects except i can sleep with out my bed shaking from dogs scratching , licking feet and shaking their heads!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Suzanne (Bangor, ME USA) on 10/28/2008
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We make the garlic for the dogs part of the stuffing that we use for their tire biters and kongs. It's a mix of pumpkin, squash, plain yogurt, and sometimes peanutbutter (sounds appetizing, doesn't it?). My little guy caught on, so we mixed it with some wet food cat food and he's none the wiser. You could probably do that for your cats too. If you need to get rid of worms again, try using diatamcious earth.
Ears
Posted by Anon (NY, NY) on 08/29/2008
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I have been giving my dog one 1500 mg garlic oil capsule a day for over a month in hopes of curing her smelly/itchy ear problem. I have given her garlic in the past, so I already knew this would not hurt her. It hasn't seemed to help so far, but I can attest to the fact that GARLIC DOES NOT HURT DOGS.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Carlos (Lisbon, Portugal) on 08/27/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I have done some searching online to find the pros and cons of Garlic and pets. I have come across a few links that suggest that Garlic can be fatal to pets - see below;
Garlic is part of the onion family (alliaceae) along with leeks and shallots. There is ample research available which indicates onions can be harmful, if not deadly, to our pets. In the last five years, more and more toxicity studies are being conducted on garlic and all seem to indicate that it, too, can pose serious health risks when fed to cats and dogs. A 2003 study on Grape and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs, published in the Australian Veterinary Journal begins, "The list of commonly available human foods toxic to dogs continues to grow. Grapes and raisins can be added to onions, garlic, chocolate, and macadamia nuts as posing dangers when ingested in excessive quantities." [1] Unfortunately, no one knows what constitutes "excessive quantities".
In an article on Onion and Garlic Toxicity in Dogs and Cats, Jennifer Prince, DVM states: "Garlic and onion are used as flavor enhancers in food. Since the toxic amount is unknown, it is recommended not to add it to your pet's food. These ingredients can cause Heinz body anemia, resulting in a breakdown of the red blood cells and anemia." [2]
Although the exact toxic dose is not known, studies unanimously agree that foods containing garlic should not be fed to dogs.
Full report available here -
http://www.petsbynature.com/Garlic.htm
Is It Safe?
Posted by Ami (Corvallis, Or) on 05/30/2010
That's just the thing, though! ANYTHING in a large dose can be lethal. That same flea medication that you use instead of garlic could easily kill a dog, even if used topically. Yes, garlic could be lethal if ingested in a large dose. So can water, for crying out loud!
Personally, I've done quite a bit of research on garlic because none of the flea treatments I've tried have worked. I switched my dog to a RAW diet in November, and have slowly been inching towards a more natural all-around life for her. Garlic is just another step in the process. The fleas have been ridiculous, and I'm anxious to see if garlic can bring yet another benefit to the natural diet.
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Bethanie (Charlotte, NC) on 11/10/2008
You just gave me the perfect way to feed garlic to my dog. He loves rice so I know he'll eat it. I've been researching on the internet. We always have trouble with fleas during the summer here. I can give him a pill...or I can put stuff on his back. Last time i put the stuff on his back I noticed that within thirty minutes his skin had turned bright red. This really worried me and since then I've been considering how to get rid of fleas without putting poison on my dog. I oiled him with a tea tree oil otc mixture (not pure tt oil, but diluted) this evening and will give him this as well. He has a recurring worm problem because of the fleas so we'll see if this helps him at all. Thanks for the tip.
B
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Janis (Renton, US) on 11/11/2008
Another solution for fleas is brewers yeast tablets. I buy the human kind and some dogs even like the taste of it.If they wont just eat the brewers yeast pill you can crush it up and put in their food. Fleas hate brewers yeast.
Worms
Posted by Darlene (Alabama) on 10/26/2018
Thank u 4 sharing with me everyone. Because I am on a fix income and I can't afford 2 take mine 2a vet. I owe a doctor bill trying 2 pay off now. And there are my baby's.
.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Lena (Vienna, Austria) on 08/16/2007
★★★★★
I have been giving garlic to my 8 yrs old golden for the last 7 yrs. Never raw - as it is rather sharp, however I always added it to his chicken of beef stew and once soft meshed it in his food. Every time I go to the vet or we are in the dog park I get compliments for how-well cared the dog is. Mac looks and feels great (thanks for the part that he gets good home cooked food - and no processed commercial dry food). I think garlic helps me keep Mac healthy and happy. I find it so sweet that sometimes he has this typical-human garlic breath in the morning! This is indeed - the only side effect!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Anne (Chicago, Illinois) on 08/02/2007
★☆☆☆☆
This is in reply to a recent post about feeding dogs and cats garlic. Garlic and onions, both members of the allium family, are toxic to dogs and cats -- even if the garlic and onions are cooked. As yet it is not known what level is toxic. Please google to find the warnings and there are many.
Here's an excerpt from just one recent article about this:
http://www.edmondsun.com/features/local_story_205114633.html
"Some pets can develop a liking to the flavor or the aroma and become intoxicated.
"They contain an organosulfur compound that causes the toxicosis and is readily absorbed through the GI tract in pets. Cooking does not reduce the potential toxic effects unfortunately.
"The toxic mechanism of the onion involves oxidation or breakdown of the red blood cells. This, of course, results in a decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells. Ultimately there is an impaired delivery of oxygen to the tissues due to a severe anemia, or lack of red blood cells....
"Signs usually appear within a 24-hour period of consumption, but may occur out several days. Pets seem depressed, have shortness of breath, a rapid heart beat, seem weak and show intolerance to exercise and to cold. They may go off their food, have abdominal pain, diarrhea and their breath may smell of garlic....
"Whether or not your pet survives will depend upon how quickly supportive care and correction of the physiologic problems occurs. Stopping the source of exposure of course is a must, and getting a good and quick diagnosis is essential.
An excerpt from another link: http://www.petsbynature.com/Garlic.htm "In the last five years, more and more toxicity studies are being conducted on garlic and all seem to indicate that it, too, can pose serious health risks when fed to cats and dogs.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Sara (Alabama) on 05/06/2018
I appreciate your concerns about garlic but I have done EXTENSIVE research on this matter and it has been proven that garlic in dogs (I do not know about cats) can be helpful in dogs. Also the amount you have to give a dog to be harmful is extremely HIGH almost impossible. Something like 20 raw cloves a day. There are charts on various sites that tell the amount based on weight I give both my lad and pit raw garlic every other day and it has helped with worms and skin issues including mites. So I encourage all to research and read available information. This is something that is very inexpensive easily available that can help your pet if you have limited funds.
Article by Lisa S. Newman, Nd
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 07/21/2015
★★★★★
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 Zoe (USA) on 06/26/2007
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Hi, in answer to many garlic-for-dogs questions, here's what a holistic veteranarian told me, about a week ago: a small amount of garlic has many benefits for dogs. A dog of ten pounds can eat up to a HALF a clove a day, and a large dog can eat a whole clove a day, with no adverse effects. But NO more than that! For the person with the 7.5 pound chihuahau, i'd go with a quarter clove, just to be on the safe side. I personally also use a bit of garlic powder in my dog's homemade dog food, just for flavor. Check the ingredients before you buy any particular brand. Btw, i also use baby food veggies, and Earth's Best brand is free of any onions in many flavors. The green beans, peas, and carrots have no onion. They're just the veggie and water. Everything's organic. Just check the label to be sure, or check out their website. Other than that, i use brown rice, a meat source, eggs, vegetable oil, kidney beans, TUMS (no vitamin D added, and unflavored) for calcium, and top everything off with a doggie multi-vitamin. I sometimes add cheese, as well. Not processed cheese food, but real cheese. I have one very healthy, happy dog!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Sue (Cobb, California) on 06/20/2007
★★★★★
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 John (Providence, Rhode Island) on 06/10/2007
★★★★★
OK, so most everyone here, except for the Frontline Sales Woman, have said garlic is good. Dr. Marty concurs, but how much? I have a little munchkin (7.5lbs Chihuahua), who is a animal rescue miracle. She has never eaten dog food, but not because I had a clue. She just refused. She kind of fended for herself prior and most people don't throw out dog food. So I began to feed her boiled brown rice, mixed vegatables and a nice cut of beef or chicken or both. Blended of course. I squirted a bit of vitamin gravy to help her out. As the years passed, I adapted with frozen vegatables instead of canned (ummm sodium)and then organic frozen vegatables. I've sinced added diced garlic (just a little, not SURE) and Salmon oil instead of the Vitamin Gravy. And a joint support liquid in the AM. Needless to say, I don't need a snooze button when my alarm clock goes off.
Is It Safe?
Posted by MrmDeLuca (Phoenix, USA) on 05/05/2007
★★★★★
When my father was released from the hospital from a possible heart attack, he was put on a strict diet. In keeping with his diet, he would eat baked chicken with heaps of garlic, tomatoes, and onions. My father, hating the food, would always pass it along to his dog. Well this otherwise healthy dog had a seizure one day, for the first time in its life. All three ingredients, consumed in excess, are known to be fatal to dogs. He's never given the dog his chicken again. The dog has never had a seizure since. To my own dog I give only a quarter of a clove every other week with no problems.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Dario (Atlanta, GA) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
Well, I figured if garlic is good for me than it should be good for my dogs. We used garlic during war back in Bosnia during winter months as a substitute for "penacilin" not sure if I am spelling it right - but it prevents many problems. I have started my 2 german shepards on garlic and they are doing great no skin problems, fleas, ticks nor mosquitoes either. Garlic makes blood taste different so bolod suckers don't like it. Vets are making money of selling products - of course they will not say no. Anybody who is in sales will know what I am talking about. All i have mentioned is working for me but still do more research if you are not comfortable.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Anna (Hollywood, USA) on 09/10/2008
Hi - I am learning a lot from this blog. I have two German Sheps with bad fleas. Commercial meds don't work and I want to use garlic. But, I don't know how much to give them and how often. Advise, please? Thanks!
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.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Staci (Manassas, VA) on 02/27/2007
★☆☆☆☆
Garlic in large quantities can actually cause anemia in dogs. the woman who used garlic for her dog's intestinal parasites was in danger of causing a potentially fatal reaction in her dog. DO NOT GIVE GARLIC TO DOGS!
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.
