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.
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.
Worms
Posted by Jessa (Stuart Fl) on 02/06/2017
Thanks to your grandma!!! My dad, also a hardcore Italian, keeps telling me the same about the garlic!! He used to breed dogs as well. My cat got worms last year. I gave her deworming medicine but my dad told me to give the dog a clove just in case he had it too. Well fast forward a year my dog, a Cavalier King Charles, Has worms. I called my dad immediately Because the vet's office is closed at this time. He says, no worry my sweetheart just give the dog garlic. He came over opened up some garlic and shoved a whole clove right down my dogs throat!! 😬 I don't know if I'm gonna be able to do that too but I'll give it a try. I'm just praying that this fixes him without having the expensive bill! Thanks for your story, it helped quite a bit!
Is It Safe?
Posted by Zoe (USA) on 06/26/2007
★★★★★
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 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 Tom (Providence, RI) on 04/14/2007
★★★★★
I have given each of my two dogs (retriever family, 2 and 5 yo) a clove of freshly pressed garlic every day in their dinner. They are never sick. They do Not have fleas and I DO NOT USE commercial flea/tick products which are carcinogenic and neurotoxins, and the dogs are doing great. I have not had their red blood count tested and perhaps I should. Another ? for the holistic vet I guess.
Is It Safe?
Posted by Carlos (Concord, California) on 04/05/2007
★★★★★
My Rottweiler eats daily 4 (abundant) cups of rice, lamb and vegetables dry food, sprinkled with garlic powder and a few drops of olive oil. He will be 10 next month and still jumps 4 feet up to the top of his house! He weighs a healthy 105 pounds.
Is It Safe?
Posted by C. (USA) on 04/04/2007
★★★★★
I have made a dog food treat for years for my 4 dogs. I mix garlic powder, rice, chicken broth and chicken liver and a tiny bit of canola oil. They never have fleas and always have great blood tests. I have recently read that it causes anemia and am concerned, but my dogs have great blood at 12 years old, so I find that hard to believe they have about 1/2 cup of the above treat daily. I told my vet about the treat and all he said is use low sodium chicken broth. I'm going to ask him again about the garlic. My cat has a tiny bit also nightly. They all love it.
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 Jonathan Shiloka (USA) on 05/26/2005
★★★★★
Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic, destroying both gram-positive and gram negative bacteria. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill off the millions of friendly bacteria that your body needs, Garlic only kills the bad guys and even promotes and increases your healthy bacteria. It is also a very potent, anti-viral which really makes it a specific for colds, influenza and upper respiratory infections. Garlic is also a powerful anti-fungal and literally destroys any antigen, pathogen and any harmful or disease causing micro-organism that can hurt you.
Garlic contains at least 200 different compounds, many of which are said to be useful for dogs. Garlic lowers blood pressure, accelerates the breakdown of waste matter from cells, and may even act as a mild flea repellent. Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinus and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where, most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often starts. Cayenne and Ginger are like a blast to your body's circulation. This powerful tag team will unblock anything, anywhere! So just imagine, you have the two strongest herbs to kill EVERY germ known and the three most powerful herbs to blast them around your entire body. Apple Cider Vinegar helps maintain healthful blood sugar levels that are already in the normal range in the body. Apple Cider Vinegar also helps to kill Germs, Viruses, Molds & Bacteria.
Some Internal Benefits are improved digestion & assimilation, relieves arthritis & stiffnes, removes artery plaque and helps remove body toxins. A few external benefits are promoting a youthful body, helps maintain healthy skin, helps prevent dandruff, baldness and balances scalp pH, and soothes tight, and aching muscles & joints.
Dosage: 1-4 dropperfuls in a shot glass. First timers may want to mix this dosage half an d half with water. Whether you dilute it or take it straight, gargle with it for a minute and then swallow.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN
1. Start this Procedure on the NEW Moon.
2. Take 1 part - FRESH chopped ORGANIC Garlic Cloves (Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Viral and Anti-Parasitic), 1 part - FRESH grated Ginger Root (Circulation - Extremities), 1 part - FRESH grated Horseradish Root (Circulation - Head), and 1 part - FRESH chopped Cayenne Peppers (HOTTEST Habenero available - Super Blood Stimulant). NOTE: Part EQUALS Volume, NOT Weight in this Tincture Method. Use a Blender to chop up each of the Ingredients VERY FINE!
3. Find a Glass Jar large enough and fill it 3/4 FULL with these Ingredients.
4. Fill the Glass Jar to the Top with RAW Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (_______'s or Spectrum Naturals).
5. Let it sit until the FULL Moon (15-16 Days) or the NEXT NEW Moon (28-29 Days - OPTIMAL).
6. Shake it as MANY times during the Day as possible.
7. Top it off with MORE Vinegar, when NEEDED.
8. Strain this Mixture through an UNBLEACHED Coffee Filter.
9. Take at least 1 oz. 3 times per day (drink, add to food or Squirt directly in mouth), when your Dog has a Any Virus(careful not to touch mouth of dog or person while squirting medicine in mouth so-as not to cross-contaminate.
General Feedback
Posted by Heather (Somervlle, AL, USA) on 03/22/2009
I heard of this remedy that It would get rid of worms and fleas, and prevent them. I have a 8th month old German Shepherd and recently I found worms In his bowel movemont. I gave him about 2oz of garlic juice with his dog food. He had no problem eating It to my suprise. It's been about a day since and I'll give him more for about two days. Hopefully It will get rid of his worms. Any suggestions?
General Feedback
Posted by Must Read For Itching/supposed Allergy Dogs (Portland, Oregon) on 03/05/2011
Garlic is covered well here but you're all missing a condition more and more dogs and people are seriously ill from. So many of you describe severe itching and food allergies etc, and one had blood in stool, etc. Absolutely go read about Candida Albicans overgrowth. It is a yeast we and dogs have normally in our bodies but goes out of control after antibiotics or with poor diet or chemical exposures and then turns into a systemic lifelong seriously dangerous fungus. Please please read:
www.greatdanelady.com/articles/systemic_yeast_mini_course.htm
Note that in humans it's responsible for serious issues many of us are dealing with like fibromyalgia, IBS, leaky gut, blood in stool. It can be deadly but most often just causes constant recurring yeast infections on the skin and leads to mange etc.
MUST READ MUST READ MUST READ
My whole family and dogs have suffered for years and we all show different symptoms but it's all the same cause.
Garlic will mask symptoms but not cure this problem by itself, and this is becoming very very common all the sudden due to all the crap in both our foods, all the hormones and the antibiotics and steroids allmost all meat on the market is loaded with.
PLEASE PASS THE WORD
I am not in any way affiliated with that site I just found the cure to all our ills and wanted to let the word start spreading. Please pass this info around even if you don't include the link to that site.
General Feedback
Posted by Kristen (Guess, British Columbia, Canada) on 07/12/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Teenage girl here saying that I would never feed my dog garlic.
Some dogs may have built up better immune systems and just an ability to eat generally anything but all dogs are different and I'd never do anything so risky and because I haven't and I haven't let my parents do that either I would completely disagree with feeding your pets garlic.
Reasons, garlic = thiosulphate = hemolytic anemia = liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea
My dog being feed things I tell my parents not to, but then they do, and then comes vomit and diarrhea and stinky farts and they come ask me whats wrong and I ask them what they've feed her.
I wouldn't trust too many other doctors and vets "looking out only for the care of their patients". It seems that nowadays more and more people of these people were taught how not to get sued and keep their customers, little loopholes, law and logic flaws. Not everyone but alot more have just been thinking just about business. I wanted to be a vet to help other people and their animals. To be part of a community, to be there for those who were in need. BESIDES, I wouldnt suggest such things so vaguely. Other owners may have different values of what "alot" or "frequent" or "often" or "large quantities" Would you cook it? Would you prepare it in any way? How cooked? Boiled, fried, baked, raw?
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"Our readers offer information and opinions"
Keyword OPINIONS
"Please consult with your veterinarian " "Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe"
General Feedback
Posted by Big Lou (Durban, South Africa) on 01/16/2012
★☆☆☆☆
My vet has always advised me to give my dogs garlic, but after losing my beloved Natouk (White Timber Wolf/Malamute) to Lymphatic cancer (and spending a small fortune on Chemo). After been given the bare fact by a highly qualified Oncologist I realized I killed my Natouk by slowly poisoning it with garlic. It did not happen overnight, it took years as garlick kills like diabetes, slowly. Don't be fooled, it's too late for Natouk, but I can save my other dogs!!!
