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Pet safety

Is Garlic toxic to dogs?

Allium sativum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — garlic is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach.

What to do if your dog ate garlic

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move garlic out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of garlic to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten garlic, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is garlic toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is garlic toxic to dogs?

Yes — garlic is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats garlic?

ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to garlic.

What should I do if my dog ate garlic?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is garlic toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Garlic is toxic to cats as well. See the full garlic pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to garlic?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full garlic pet-safety