Garlic in dogs

I was asked this question by Audrey about the use of garlic in dogs.

Question;
I read in one of your articles that Garlic is bad for dogs, I know a dog trainer in Dundee that gives her dogs garlic powder every day, she is against vaccanations, she says giving the dogs the Garlic powder stops her dogs from getting worms. Is this true ?

Answer;
Garlic is not as toxic as onions to dogs but | would still be very cautious about using it in large quantities, which it is very possible to do if you feed it to dogs in the powdered form. It can cause anaemia ( low levels of red blood cells) which can be life threatening. I am not against using garlic in dogs, some people believe it does a lot of good. However, I would advise using it in small quantities, maybe a pinch a day on the food at most.

There is no reliable, scientific evidence that garlic has any effect on a dogs worm burden. It is so important a dog is free of worms, I would aways advise using a veterinary standard wormer. These have been extensively tested and used and we know they are not only hugely effective but also safe.

I would always be very concerned by anyone who ´doesn´t believe in vaccines´. Vaccination in dogs is vital, it gives them protection against some deadly disease. The homeopathic vaccines favoured by some, have no evidence to back them up. I would always very strongly advise that vaccines are given to every dog, they can and do save lives. If you are at all concerned about vaccinating your dog, your vet can take blood tests to see if they have a good enough level of protection to mean that they don´t need their boosters.

Cat