Posts Tagged ‘parasite control’
Garlic as a Health Food For Dogs
November 9th, 2009
Garlic has been touted as the next up and coming health food miracle for people and dogs! I mean, I have “odorless” garlic at home in pills. And while garlic may actually have many helpful properties, it also contains thiosulfate which causes heinz body hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats. In other words, garlic may be great for dogs but with enough of it it may poison your dog!
Reported health benefits of garlic include parasite control, liver maintenance, immunity booster, cancer preventative etc. The loudest protestations of love for garlic have come from people who use it as a parasite repellent. Claims range from actively clearing out worms from a dog to never having a tick in sight. Also others claim to use garlic’s antimicrobial properties to cure infections in dogs.
Garlic is said to give enhance overall wellness in dogs. Unfortunately, it does seem to leave them smelling a little less dog like and more smelly vegetable like.
So where is the healthy balance struck? And are the good aspects of garlic even worth risking a dog’s health?
The commonly recommended dose is about one clove for every 30 lbs of dog a couple of times a week. Fresh garlic is considered best. Garlic pills and sprays are also available for those who want to use them. Be sure to follow the directions on any products one decides to use.
When starting any new regimen, carefully observe your dog! Check the dog’s gum’s regularly and notice any changes in activity level that may signify the beginnings of anemia as it can develop over time. If you are aware enough to notice a change in the dog’s urine’s color this could also be a marker for anemia.
Personally, my garlic ventures are few and far between mirroring my own use of fresh garlic in my meals. My dogs don’t really care for plain garlic so I need to crush and mix it into food.
While garlic has many amazing benefits for both dogs and people it should be considered a supplement or even a “drug”. When used properly it’s can do amazing things, but used improperly it can cause disaster. We humans don’t over dose on aspirin’s once in a while in hopes that it will keep our hearts healthier or headaches away longer. The same goes for dogs, use properly and in moderation.
And for goodness sakes, don’t give it to a dog who you know has anemia.
Reported health benefits of garlic include parasite control, liver maintenance, immunity booster, cancer preventative etc. The loudest protestations of love for garlic have come from people who use it as a parasite repellent. Claims range from actively clearing out worms from a dog to never having a tick in sight. Also others claim to use garlic’s antimicrobial properties to cure infections in dogs.
Garlic is said to give enhance overall wellness in dogs. Unfortunately, it does seem to leave them smelling a little less dog like and more smelly vegetable like.
So where is the healthy balance struck? And are the good aspects of garlic even worth risking a dog’s health?
The commonly recommended dose is about one clove for every 30 lbs of dog a couple of times a week. Fresh garlic is considered best. Garlic pills and sprays are also available for those who want to use them. Be sure to follow the directions on any products one decides to use.
When starting any new regimen, carefully observe your dog! Check the dog’s gum’s regularly and notice any changes in activity level that may signify the beginnings of anemia as it can develop over time. If you are aware enough to notice a change in the dog’s urine’s color this could also be a marker for anemia.
Personally, my garlic ventures are few and far between mirroring my own use of fresh garlic in my meals. My dogs don’t really care for plain garlic so I need to crush and mix it into food.
While garlic has many amazing benefits for both dogs and people it should be considered a supplement or even a “drug”. When used properly it’s can do amazing things, but used improperly it can cause disaster. We humans don’t over dose on aspirin’s once in a while in hopes that it will keep our hearts healthier or headaches away longer. The same goes for dogs, use properly and in moderation.
And for goodness sakes, don’t give it to a dog who you know has anemia.
