§ Toxic plants · Amaryllidaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is garlic toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Garlic (Allium sativum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, anemia (pale gums), blood in the urine, weakness, fast heartbeat, panting, weak pulse, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and trouble breathing. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Amaryllidaceae plants toxic to pets
Garlic belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about garlic and pets
Is garlic toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists garlic as toxic to cats.
Is garlic toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists garlic as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats garlic?
Signs include vomiting, anemia (pale gums), blood in the urine, weakness, fast heartbeat, panting, weak pulse, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and trouble breathing. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is garlic called?
Garlic is also sold or known as serpent garlic and softneck garlic.