Dog and Kitty /garlic

[Guest guest]

Found this interesting.

Pam

http://www.fiascofarm.com/herbs/info.htm#garlic

 

Addressing concerns about garlic

 

I have personally never had a problem with any type of adverse

reaction due to administering garlic to animals, but people have

asked me if this is a issue they should be concerned about, so I

present my finding here:

 

Although toxic side effects from the consumption of garlic are is

quite rare in animals as well as humans, the possibility of harming

with garlic dose exist (just as the possibility of harming with any

herb, supplement or drug). The root of the controversy over garlic

is a dangerous misconception: the belief that more garlic is always

better. Moderation is the cardinal rule of all herb use, and this

applies strictly to garlic, particularly when used in cats. When

misused (used excessively over an extended period) garlic may cause

a disease known as Heinz-body anemia. This disease is easily

prevented with common sense and a few precautions.

 

Do not give garlic to animals with preexisting anemic conditions.

Puppies begin reproducing new red blood cells until after 6 to 8

weeks of age, so do not give garlic to young puppies.

The possibility of Heinz-body anemia is dose dependent, meaning the

more garlic fed, the greater the chances of a problem developing.

Most recorded instances of Heinz-body anemia in animals involve the

ingestion of large quantities of onions and other garlic relatives,

many of which contain much larger percentages of enzyme-depleting

constituents than a typical dose of garlic. Recorded cases of allium

poisoning typically involve onion doses exceeding 0.5 percent of the

animals' body weight. This means that a healthy 60-pound dog (goat)

would have to eat a whole 5-ounce onion, or several cloves of

garlic, just to start the Heinz-body process. Since red blood cells

are regenerated quickly, this large dose would have to be repeated

several times on a frequent basis to cause permanent harm.

Cats are more sensitive to the side effects of garlic, so they

require more caution and attention with its use. Watch for digestive

upset and behavioral changes, and if your cat simply doesn't want

any garlic, don't force him. Animals know their needs better then we

do.

In defense of garlic, be aware that several other foods can cause

Heinz-body anemia as well; large amounts of turnips, kale, rape, or

anything rich in vitamin K may lead to the disorder.

 

In conclusion, small doses of garlic added to an animals diet is

probably going to be of more benefit than harm. Just remember: don't

overdo it. Use common scene and moderation and to have respect for

garlic, as you should with all herbs.

 

reference:

1) Herbs for Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford

(Bowtie Press, 1999)

2) The Merck Veterinary Manual, 7 ed., (Rahway, NJ.: Merck & Co.,

1991)