Is Garlic Toxic to Dogs?

I have asked many a vet if they have ever seen and diagnosed a garlic poisoning and still have yet to find one!

Garlic is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, anti-cancer, antioxidant, blood thinning, cardiovascular supporting herb with known uses for millennium. It’s gotten such a bad rap, as have many other foods, due to misinformation to make it sound dangerous. 

I, like many holistic and herbal vets, have used garlic in my practice for decades without any problems and I find its ability to prevent parasites amazing. I love it for my patients with cardiac issues in the Heart Health formula created by Greg Tillford, a brilliant dog herbalist I trust completely. I didn't realize how helpful it was for blood pressure regulation until I found this formula. 

Including garlic in Heart Health formula helps to regulate blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress, act as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce cholesterol - just to name a few of its more specific benefits to heart health. 

Don’t be afraid of garlic unless your dog has a super, super sensitive tummy. In Chinese medicine, garlic is considered a "hot" herb, so it can create heat in the stomach and the body. Some dogs might be very sensitive to this heat and get an upset tummy. But, clearly, that is an easy fix. 

Otherwise, garlic is totally safe and a wonderful herb, food and medicine!!