How much garlic is OK?

[frenchboxer]

I have found fleas on my dog, and applied Frontline. I still see a couple of fleas on her and it is making me . I have heard that garlic is a good preventative, but I have also read that it is toxic to dogs . Is it safe to put it in her raw food? How much do I use - 1 tsp or 1 grain. I don't want to poison her. Also, should she have it at every meal, or only now and again?

 

[Jaimie L]

I heard from a vet tech that onions are terribly poisonous to dogs--many times more poisonous than chocolate. Since garlic is botanically related to onion, I would consult a vet before giving it to her. Frontline is not a flea repellent. It kills the fleas very efficiently, but only after they bite. Canine Advantage does claim to repel fleas. K9 Advantix kills and repels fleas ticks and mosquitoes. After this treatment wears off you may consider using one of these products for the next treatment.

 

[Herschel]

You might want to post this in the Dog Food and Recipes forum.

 

[Jaimie L]

I've done some browsing on the internet and found this about onion and garlic toxicity in dogs. Sulfide compounds in the stems, flowers and bulbs of fresh, dried or powdered onions and garlic cause a chain reaction which can lead to Heinz body anemia. The effects are cumulative meaning a dog that injests small amounts over time can develop complications. Also, the toxin can cause permanent liver damage. The Aspca has a great article on the subject found here.

You may consider using citronella spray to repel pests in the meantime.

 

[frenchboxer]

Gosh, thanks Jaimie for the links . I have today given her a Capstar tablet, as she actually screamed out twice yesterday, which I assume was the little b*****s biting her . Apparently within half an hour of taking the Capstar she will have relief and thereafter I will try one of the other products you mentioned.

Thanks.

 

[rowdy ridgeback]

It has to be a high amount of garlic to have any problems. http://www.springtimeinc.com/ShowView/product/148/2