Is Garlic Toxic to Pets?
Yes — garlic is toxic to cats. Yes — garlic is toxic to dogs. Yes — garlic is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Allium sativum
- Toxic compound
- Organosulfur compounds (thiosulfates)
- Toxic parts
- Raw, cooked and powdered garlic
- Also known as
- garlic powder, garlic bread
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
What to do
If your cat ate garlic
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate garlic
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate garlic
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Garlic is several times more potent than onion. Signs of anemia may not appear for days.
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Frequently asked questions
Is garlic toxic to cats?
Yes — garlic is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Is garlic toxic to dogs?
Yes — garlic is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Is garlic toxic to horses?
Yes — garlic is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Which parts of garlic are toxic?
Raw, cooked and powdered garlic.
What makes garlic toxic?
Organosulfur compounds (thiosulfates).
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