There are quite a good number of the health benefits of garlic for dogs. It has been tested and experimented on over the past few years. There have been a lot of articles going out lately that garlic isn’t safe for dogs due to the news that onion, a plant of the same family, causes anemia in canines when given in large doses. However, garlic is relatively safe for dogs despite its similarities to onions.
Garlic for Dogs
- According to dog experts, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every pound of food 4 times a week is safe for canines.
- Fresh garlic can also be incorporated into a dog’s daily diet. Half a clove can be provided to dogs weighing 10 to 15 pounds; a clove for canines weighing 20 to 40 pounds; 2 cloves for 45 to 70-pounders and 3 cloves for dogs weighing more than a hundred pounds.
- It is also best to take a day or two off from garlic per week.
- Dogs have different preferences when it comes to garlic servings. A dog owner may have to experiment, especially with the fussiest eaters.
Good or Bad
- The benefits of garlic usually outweigh its side effects, that is, if there are adverse effects at all.
- Garlic has high sulfur content and the sulfur excreted through the dog’s skin keeps away ticks, fleas, mites and other parasites. It also helps the dog get rid of fungal microbes that can cause itching and irritation in the dog’s skin.
- Garlic is also a good alternative when it comes to dog deworming sessions.
- Studies, both in animals and humans, have shown that garlic promotes production of white blood cells and help increase resistance to autoimmune diseases.
- Garlic also aids in reducing blood sugar levels and increasing serum insulin.
- Allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, increases levels of antioxidants in the blood such as gluthathione peroxidase and catylase. These antioxidants are vital in the prevention of cancer.
- Garlic supplementation is also recommended alongside antibiotic therapy.
- Diarrhea in puppies is often treated by mixing garlic powder in their daily meals.
Side Effects
- Several herbalists pointed out that large amounts of fresh garlic given for longer periods can wipe out the natural flora in the digestive system.
- It is best to slowly decrease the garlic dose if the condition being treated improves.