Is Wild Garlic Safe for Dogs?

Is Wild Garlic Safe for Dogs? No!

It grows a lot around where I stay but our dogs aren't interested in it at all.

Wild garlic, also known as Allium ursinum, is a plant that grows in woodlands and meadows in Europe and parts of Asia. Also known as wild onion, ramsons, buckrams, or bear's garlic. Wild garlic is closely related to common garlic and onion, and it is used in cooking as a seasoning or herb.

This plant can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts but the amount of wild garlic that can cause toxicity in dogs can vary depending on the size of the dog and the amount ingested. As little as 0.5% of a dog's body weight of wild garlic can cause toxicity.

For example, a small dog that weighs 10 pounds would only need to ingest about half an ounce of wild garlic to experience symptoms of toxicity. Meanwhile, a larger dog that weighs 50 pounds would need to ingest about 2.5 ounces of wild garlic to experience the same level of toxicity.

The toxicity of wild garlic is caused by a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which can damage the red blood cells in dogs.

Symptoms of wild garlic toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and anemia. In severe cases, it can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, which can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

However, on the other hand in small amounts, garlic may have some health benefits for dogs, such as boosting the immune system and helping to repel fleas and ticks. But the amount of garlic needed to provide these benefits is much lower than the amount that can cause toxicity.

It's important to be cautious and seek vet advice before giving your dog any supplements or natural remedies.