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.
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 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 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?
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Ladyrichards (Fort White, Floria, United States) on 06/27/2011
Yes I just started giving garlic to my dogs because we have such a bad flea problem. We hav 5 dogs 4 German Sheperds and a coon hound and after trying all the money coasting things that dont work I have to try it. I was just wondering how long it should take to work? I am putting 1/2 tsp in food mornig and night of minced garlic and they really seem to like it. I even went as far as to have my yard sprayed and still the fleas are here just as bad, so Im hoping this will work for me. I plan on taking them off of it when flea season is over and then I will start them back right before it begins. I also wonder if anyone can tell me what to do for in my house in the carpet.
Thank you, Lady Richards
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Maxie (Deckerville, Michigan--usa) on 10/12/2011
3 teasoons of mint oil in 14 oz of water to spray furiture, rugs and pets for fleas. I read this on the Internet, tried it and everything did smell better even the dog.
Good luck, Maxie
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Cindy (Muscle Shoals, Al) on 10/31/2011
Maxie, I have heard about the
Peppermint Oil but I have never tried it. I am having a problem with fleas on my little dog which he is a 20 lb
Pomeranian/Sheltie mix. Not even
Frontline is doing it's job this year.
I gave him a good brushing with his undercoat brush and put some of the mixture of Peppermint Oil you talked about. But I down sized it to 1 tespoon of Peppermint Oil with 4 1/2 oz Water to see if it would work first. I sprayed and rubbed it in his fur. Hopefully it will work. Is once a week good enough or do I need to do this more often?
Thanks, Cindy
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Lynneepoo (Thousand Oaks, Calif) on 01/19/2012
When we lived in Hawaii, we used baking soda and brushed it into the carpets. Because it's such a fine powder, it gets into the flea's body and does something to them that kills them. Our vet on Maui told us to never use flea killers that go into or on your dog. You are putting poison on or in them! How can that be good for them? I have not used them on my dogs since then (1994) and so far, they have not died from cancer or other causes! He also told me about the baking soda.
We do have our exterior sprayed every 2 months by a pest control company and once a year or if needed more frequently, the interior. My dogs have not had flea's - we are rural with lots of rabbits and other wild visitors to the property that do carry the flea's in, but so far, no problem. And as for garlic - I do give them garlic - granulated! No problem but then it's not a daily thing either. Found out the hard way that avocado is deadly to a Cockatiel though! As one person said, check things out before giving to the pets! A policy I wish I had done for my bird's sake!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Brenda (Calahan, Fl.) on 12/07/2012
there the websites too on garlic and how benefecial it is for dogs it also suppose to kill heartworms. I have 4 chiwawa, and I have given the garlic to them and they have goten more active also you can make a mixture of ground garlic and water and spray your yards in the sumer for fleas and ticks and they say it really works I am planing on trying it this summer
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Ann (Bristol) on 08/05/2016
I give my dogs garlic. Not our garlic but Dene's garlic for dogs. Then you know you are not overdosing them. Every vet I have had has been told this and not one of them has told me not too. Would not recommend fresh garlic though as I said. Ann.
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Helen (Michigan) on 09/17/2016
We used DE earth (food grade) on our cats and dog and we still have a problem with fleas, however, I made a mixture of DE earth, baking soda and sea salt (fine) sprinkled all over our bedroom floor because our animals like sleeping in the room no more door stays closed after doing this. Vacuumed after 8 hours haven't seen any fleas in room now we must still take care of the rest we use vet+best for all three kills in seconds on contact rub in fur and comb out the dead and wipe with wet cloth was told safe for them to lick if not all off.
General Feedback
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Usa) on 06/18/2011
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I didn't even have to read this whole message of a seasoned garlic salt. That in itself is only a substitute, it has all artificial seasonings as well as salt that can an will do serious harm to an animal, unless it's very small amounts of sea-salt. It's always best to do your(our)foot work before giving any animal what we eat, thats why we are always in the drs. office feeling like we have fallen apart. I did many web searches before I found this site; I do my very best to keep my animals safe & well. Good luck
General Feedback
Posted by Charliedog (San Diego, Ca) on 07/25/2011
I've had three dogs that all lived over 14 years. My current dog, a funky mix of lab, retriver, and kangroo. I feed him dry food, always a full bowl, and he eats when he's hungry. His teeth are super white and the vet is imprerssed with how healthy he is. He dosen't beg when my daughter and I are eating. On sundays I give him Cesar wet dog food, funny but it gives him a consept of time (in a way). Bottom line is treat your dog like your best friend (unless you don't like your best friend) c u
Is It Safe?
Posted by Vicky (Melbourne, Australia) on 06/02/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Until you have your dog dying from anemia - you will not understand - do NOT feed your dogs, especially NOT cats - garlic or onions. People with dogs that have not died from being fed raw garlic or garlic powders are playing a waiting game, they are taking a few years off the life of their dogs, with the toxic affects of garlic on the animals internal organs.
I'm all for natural products for your animals, but not playing BINGO with you animals life. It scares me so many people happy to blindly follow the crowd on these sites.
If only it was that simple - everyone would be doing it! It certainly is cheaper yes, (until you get the vet bills). My preference is not use all the drugs that vets recommend, but garlic is DANGEROUS for dogs, & I would hate anyone to go through what I did with my poor little dog, thank god she survived - $10,000 later.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Mary Ann (Slidell, Louisiana) on 06/13/2011
To Vicky from Melborne.... I have been using yeast and garlic tables off n on for years.. Recently my Dobie needed surgery that couldn't be done because her blood wouldn't clot after 1/2 hr. The vet attributed this to Von Willebrands disease but I wonder if it could be the garlic tablets... Are you familiar with this?
Is It Safe?
Posted by Nell (San Antonio, Texas) on 05/26/2011
Hi my name is Nell and yesterday I found out my 8yr old schnauzer who weighs 20lbs has heartworms. I cried at the thought of him being sick but even more because of the high costs for treatment that I cannot afford. Please anyone who has dealt with this can you please give me any good home remedies to treat my dog and help me with the dosage since I wouldnt want to overdose him on anything. I really would appreciate any help and advice thank you!!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Keish (Axton, Va) on 03/18/2012
Hello, It's still not clear to me... The form of garlic you are using, gradulated or powder garlic. Why not fresh? Thanks
Worms
Posted by Karina (Beaudesert, Queensland Australia) on 01/15/2011
After reading all the comments on feeding your dog garlic I decided to try garlic with my 3. 5yr old pure australian kelpie - Who since about the age of two (after a nasty hookworm infection) has been unable to gain weight (he should be 20 - 25kg but weighs in at 16kg) and has nast runny excrement and foul farts. We have had a flea problem for a long time with the dogs as well - I gave him one clove tonight at 9pm and about an hour later he has stopped chewing and scratching so im hoping this works as its a last ditch effort. I have spent too much in vet bills as he had parvo when he was 6weeks old and pulled through and ever since has been in and out of vets. I will make sure I keep you posted on future weight gains and health if this works
Worms
Posted by Estela From Glendale, California (Glendale, California, Usa) on 09/10/2011
This message is for Karina form Queensland. I have 2 Siberian Huskies, they only eat raw organic meats, I suggest you try this for your baby, and you should have a very healthy doggie, if you can't find organic try to at least find an all natural source for your meats. They eat lamb, chicken, turkey, elk, and ground beef, beef only once in a while, for no reason in particular. I suggest you look up RAW FEEDING, I think this will take care of all your problems. DOG FOOD IS POISON, it causes the death and illness of almost all our pets, not any different than eating junk food. I lost 2 Huskies to liver cancer at 10 and 11 years old, and by luck listened to a friend ans started feeding my 2 new rescued Huskies only raw meat, we are going on our 7th year, not one trip to the vet, other than an occasional check-up, or when my brat ate a bar of soap and got violently ill. It has saved me thousands in vet bills, thank god! Needless to say, a lot of heartaches, for my new babies are thank god very healthy up to now! Other than a flea infestation which I believe they got from the gofers that are digging up our yard, meanwhile leaving behind their little SOB friends, either that or the squirrels at the park, because we have been spending a lot of time in the park, which was never the case before. I'm sure the lawn is filled with them.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Dana (Mcewen, Tn) on 11/22/2010
I am responding to the latest posts about giving your dog garlic. Garlic in any form breaks down dog's red blood cells, and large amounts over time can lead to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin. The reason: Dogs don't have proper enzyme to properly breakdown the compound thiosulphate. If a dog eats 0.5 percent of it's own bodyweight in garlic, it can show signs of poison. In other words, five grams (0.18 ounces) of garlic per kilogram (22 pounds) or two grams (0. 7 ounces) of garlic per pound can mean an emergency trip to the vet! Do not give your dog garlic in any form!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Jennifer (Burton, Mi United States) on 10/18/2011
Dana, I wanted to point out that 1 kg is equal to 2. 2lbs, not 22lbs...
Parasites
Posted by Nicolasm (Edmond, Oklahoma, United States) on 09/23/2010
Garlic for whelping dog
Hi! My dog just had puppies about 4 weeks ago and they all had a very small flea problem, but I'm pretty sure I got that cleared up as far as I can tell.. (lots of bathing the mom and flea combing them all and using ACV on her as well) My dog also seems like she has worms, but I honestly can't tell. I don't have the money to take her to the vet right now. I was wondering if it would be alright to give her garlic since she's still nursing the pups, and if so, would the garlic in her milk also help with any worms that may be present in the pups too? Or what would be a better alternative? DE maybe? Any help or information would be much appreciated!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Sally (Dallas, Tx) on 05/20/2010
I just started giving my dogs garlic six days ago for flea prevention. One of my dogs weighs about 100 lbs. so I gave him 4 teaspoons of Brewers Yeast with Garlic on Sat, then 2 cloves fresh garlic on Sunday, then on Monday and Tuesday back to the 4 teaspoons of Brewers Yeast and Wed. 2 cloves of fresh garlic with his morning food. By Wed. night he was starting to look ill to me and today - he is sick!! No energy, breathing hard, and crying a little. I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. What do you think - could it be the garlic? My other dog is doing great. (I am very worried!)
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Sally (Dallas, Tx) on 05/21/2010
Hi,
Thank you for the response.
I got the dose of 1 teaspoon per 25 pounds of Brewers Yeast powder off of the jar. It also said the amount could be doubled in the summer. (Which I did not do!)
The amount of raw garlic I got from this website: http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/garlic-for-dogs.html
Dr. Pitcairn (author of The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats) recommends the following amount of fresh garlic for dogs, according to their size:
* 10 to 15 pounds - half a clove
* 20 to 40 pounds - 1 clove
* 45 to 70 pounds - 2 cloves
* 75 to 90 pounds - 2 and a half cloves
* 100 pounds and over - 3 cloves
Dr. Messonnier (author of The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs) recommends one clove of fresh garlic per 10 to 30 pounds of weight a day to boost the immune system and cancer prevention.
I feel so bad. I did not know the amounts were high!
I will see the vet in 1 hour. I will post again.
Thanks!!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Sally (Dallas, Tx) on 05/24/2010
I was very worried that I gave my dog too much garlic and hurt him, but my vet assures me that he does not show signs of garlic poisoning. He is doing much better, but still has high globulin- which is a concern. I will continue with the Brewers Yeast with garlic, but I'm going to stop with the raw garlic.
EC: Thanks for keeping us updated!
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Ladykati (Fayetteville, Ar) on 09/13/2011
My 13 pound shih tzu/pomeranian mix just ate 2 cloves of garlic in his food. I had been giving him a little bit of garlic salt in his food every morning, but decided to give him a some real garlic today. This was about two hours ago and he seems to be just fine, but I was wondering if he ate too much? Should I take him to the vet or wait to see if he starts acting sick?
Fleas and Ticks
Posted by Xanadu1jw (Memphis, Tn) on 09/14/2011
Your dog will be fine but for a 13 pounder you don't need that much on a regular basis, probably a half clove chopped into food will be all that is needed. Two clove could be used on a temporary basis say if your dog has an infection of some kind or on a longer term basis if it is something like a severe heartworm infection. Onions now are different as they will give your dog anemia, never give it onion. Garlic though has been used with dogs for centuries with only benefit. It is very strong though and like many good things more doesn't necessarily mean better.
Worms
Posted by Jill (Nc) on 07/18/2017
What kind of garlic did you give them?
Is It Safe?
Posted by Lisa (Saylorsburg, Pa) on 03/26/2011
I know there's plenty of people out there worried about their dogs, that's a good thing. I've given my dogs garlic for about a year so far with no problems. We have 5 dogs from a Border Terrier that's under 10lbs. All the way to a German Shepherd (who has a very sensitive stomach and can only eat certain dog food) who weighs over 80lbs, thankfully we have not had any problems giving them garlic. Watch the amounts, that's the key. I give them garlic twice a week, then off a week. They haven't had a flea or tick during the year I've been doing this, and we live in the woods. Here's an exerpt I found with dosing info. Again, like people, all animals are different so watch what you give an how much.
Dr. Martin Goldstein (author of The Nature of Animal Healing) recommends adding garlic to home-made pet food and he himself feeds garlic to his own cats and dogs on a regular basis. Dr. Pitcairn (author of The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats) recommends the following amount of fresh garlic for dogs, according to their size: * 10 to 15 pounds - half a clove * 20 to 40 pounds - 1 clove * 45 to 70 pounds - 2 cloves * 75 to 90 pounds - 2 and a half cloves * 100 pounds and over - 3 cloves Dr. Messonnier (author of The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs) recommends one clove of fresh garlic per 10 to 30 pounds of weight a day to boost the immune system and cancer prevention. As with most herbs, at least one to two days off per week or a periodic week off from garlic is a good idea.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Kaej (San Carlos, Az) on 09/05/2012
Is it ok to give small amount of garlic still to help with fleas and ticks if your dog is pregnant?? I've been seraching a little but have not found a clear answer. thanks to any who could help with this question.
Heartworm
Posted by Matoni (Buffalo, New York) on 12/08/2009
★★★★★
I recently started using minced fresh garlic on my 6 month old collie for fleas, heartworm. This was recommended by a friend whom is very knowledgeable on animal care. Just use very little (minced) from fresh garlic bulb, 5 times a week. You might want to use an eye drop of Black walnut from a health store to get rid of fleas with the garlic. Hope this helps.
Heartworm
Posted by Doglover (Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia) on 01/20/2012
I would like to share my experience with you. My dog a Min Pin, female always had been a healthy dog without fleas ot ticks. We took her to a garden one day just to let her run around. When we returned she was her usual self, but the following day she started scratching. Whenever she does that, I always add a pinch of turmeric that I ground myself to her food. I did these for two consecutive days and on the third day, we found an onslought of dog ticks on the wall next to her bed. That's when we realised she had ticks from the garden. We then searched her for more and removed all the remaining ones.
I then searched through the internet for info after my daughter told me to give her garlic. I then cooked her food with 2 cloves of garlic and a pinch of turmeric. I smashed the cooked garlic together with her food. The following day we found the remaining ticks coming out and some of them had NOT drunk her blood as we found out when we squashed them. Her stomach did bloat a little though, I think garlic does it, but she was fine after that.
Now two days in a week I add two cloves of garlic and a pinch of turmeric into her food. In addition to this , I also add organic virgin coconut oil(2 drops) to her food every alternate day. This keeps her hair glossy and she does not constipate. Never overdose on garlic. And you don't have to give it everyday! But please stay away from ONION. It is definitely dangerous for dogs! Don't give left overs that have been cooked with onion and garlic as you do not know the amount that has been added.
Oh yes! I forgot! Whenever you remove ticks, rub the bite area with turmeric. Get whole dried turmeric and ground them yourself. That way, you get pure turmeric. Hope this helps.
