Garlic

You will often hear that garlic is toxic for dogs. This is simply untrue. Don't take my word for it, research yourself by reading the studies that vets make these claims based off of. Ask your vet about them. Print them and take them to your next vet appointment. See if they have even read them. Ask where they base their information from. If your vet has not read the studies, and cannot defend the stance (which they will not be able to), I urge you to question your vets credibility.

Below are all the links to all the research including the 2000 study (which is most often cited as the reason for stating garlic is toxic) regarding ’garlic use and dogs’ as well as links to research regarding its health benefits for dogs. There are lots of other research papers on the benefits of garlic but the research is on mice, rabbits, pigs, lambs and other animals so I have not included those, only the ones on dogs. 

For additional information I have included links to the FDA on ‘Neurological Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick products plus further Information from the 'Journal of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery Data (USA) from FDA of reported adverse reactions and deaths after administration of flea, tick and heartworm treatments. 

You will notice that the 2000 study is referred to ‘when we are told, garlic is toxic to dogs’. A later study in 2004 (note the names of those involved in both papers) finds ‘garlic has the potential to promote immune functions and prevent cardiovascular diseases in both humans and dogs.’

Subsequently the research in 2004 retracted the initial suggestion that garlic was harmful, even suggesting potential health benefits. 

2000 Study by K W Lee 1, O Yamato, M Tajima, M Kuraoka, S Omae, Y Maede: Hematologic changes associated with the appearance of eccentrocytes after intragastric administration of garlic extract to dogs.                                         https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11108195/                                

2004 study by H S Chang 1, O Yamato, Y Sakai, M Yamasaki, Y Maede : Acceleration of superoxide generation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and inhibition of platelet aggregation by alk(en)yl thiosulfates derived from onion and garlic in dogs and humans.                                                          * In contrast, the maximal aggregation percentage returned to the control level at 1mM of alk(en)yl thiosulfates in both canine and human platelets. From these results, we conclude that NPTS and 2PTS have the potential to promote immune functions and prevent cardiovascular diseases.     https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14643182/                                                                            

2009 study: Garlic is safe for dogs in moderation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2984110/                                

2018 study: Safety of Aged Garlic in Dogs                          
https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1699-2                                                                                                       

2023 study:  Therapeutic effect of aged garlic extract on gingivitis in dogs  
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38026667/

Information from FDA on ‘Neurological Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick products                  
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/animal-drug-safety-communication-fda-alerts-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-neurologic           

Information from the 'Journal of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
Data (USA) from FDA of reported adverse reactions and deaths after administration of flea, tick and heartworm treatments -

*Conclusion-Updated results from the USA and European Union indicate a noteworthy increase in the number of reported adverse events from flea and tick preventives and collars beyond what was originally on the product labels, including seizures, behavioral aggression, and death. The actual number of adverse incidents is likely much higher than is reported. The veterinary profession has been less than forthcoming in informing their clients about these potential serious side effects.*                                                          
https://www.primescholars.com/articles/updated-summary-on-use-and-safety-of-flea-and-tick-preventives-for-animals.pdf

4 great articles about GARLIC 

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/garlic-for-dogs-poison-or-medicine/

https://emcampersandcanines.com/blogs/news/can-dogs-eat-garlic

https://www.dogsfirst.ie/raw-garlic-for-dogs/

https://www.volharddognutrition.com/blog/busting-the-myth-of-garlic-toxicity-for-dogs/

Natural dog pest control:
They love to throw around that one flawed garlic study from 2000 to scare you, without telling you the truth.
The dogs were force-fed ridiculous doses of garlic extract (we’re talking the equivalent of 25 cloves a day)!
Did they die? Get sick? No.
They showed mild blood changes, never got anemia, and fully recovered once the garlic was stopped.

But they will gladly hand you a flea and tick med with a warning label longer than your arm linked to seizures, tremors, and death….and call that “safe.”

Garlic works as a natural pest repellent for dogs because it contains sulfur compounds, like allicin, that are released through the skin after digestion. These compounds create a scent that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes hate, making your dog less appealing to bugs without harming them. On the homestead, here’s our weekly routine for pest maintenance leading up to pest season and during pest season:

Garlic goes in the food 2–3 times a week, with doses from ¼ clove for small dogs up to 1 clove for big dogs.

Coconut oil gets mixed into meals daily or every other day (about 1 teaspoon per 10–15 pounds) and rubbed on dry spots or the coat once or twice a week. I started them slowly on coconut oil then built up the amount to avoid stomach upset.

Apple cider vinegar goes in water or food a couple of times weekly (1 teaspoon per 50lbs) and I spray a 50/50 mix with water on their coat for bug protection when needed.

I always keep an eye on how my dogs are doing. Some dogs may be allergic to brewers yeast or garlic so instead, focus the other remedies with them. An allergy may present itself by getting “hot spots” when they were fed the garlic mixture. When stopped, hot spots go away.

If I would have taken them in I’m sure I would have been given this or that for the “hot spot” when in reality, their body was conveying something wasn’t right and bandaids should not be given to mask symptoms. 

This simple routine supports their immune system, repels pests, and keeps their skin and coat healthy all without toxic chemicals.

Nature’s way is the best way.

Garlic Safety for Dogs

Fresh garlic, when given in small amounts, can provide numerous health benefits for dogs. It is rich in essential minerals like sulfur, zinc, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and B-complex.

The bioactive compounds allicin and ajoene found in garlic offer medicinal properties, including anti-cancer effects, and can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Despite its benefits, it is important to note that garlic belongs to the Allium family, which includes onions and shallots, known to be toxic to dogs. However, the toxic compound thiosulfate, present in onions, is not a concern with garlic when fed in proper amounts.

The primary source of garlic's bad reputation is a 2000 study that administered excessive amounts of garlic to dogs, leading to misconceptions about its toxicity.

While some studies suggest that garlic can be beneficial, others caution against its use due to the risk of hemolytic anemia caused by oxidative damage to red blood cells.

The amount of garlic that is considered toxic to pets can vary depending on their size and weight, with some sources suggesting that it takes approximately 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight to produce harmful changes in a dog’s blood.

In conclusion, while garlic can offer health benefits to dogs when fed in moderation, it is important to be cautious and consult with a QUALIFIED veterinarian before incorporating it into your dog's diet. The key is to ensure that the amount of garlic given is appropriate for your dog's size and health condition.