What is garlic?
Garlic is a well-known onion plant food flavoring. As an additive, it can be consumed in raw as an oil or alcohol extract, or as a dry powder in gelatin capsules.
Why is garlic recommended for pets?
Herbalists recommend using garlic as antibacterial or antifungal agents, and to reduce blood lipids and cholesterol in humans. He also sometimes used to lower blood pressure and suppress the formation of tumors. However, many of these goals are not confirmed. clinical trials.
For pets like cats and dogs, garlic recommended to reduce internal and external parasites. Anti-flea remedies for dogs and cats also often contain a lot of amount of garlic.
How long has garlic been used for pets?
Garlic is used in flea control in cats and dogs on for many years now.
What studies have been done with garlic supplements?
Despite the large number of flea remedies that contain garlic, the scientific justification for its effectiveness is not. However, there are some studies that support partial the effectiveness of garlic as an antiparasitic agent in dogs and cats.
Studies have also been conducted that have shown the effectiveness of garlic in the fight against giardia (protozoa parasites) and with dermatophytes (fungal skin diseases) in dogs and cats. Garlic is thought to lower blood pressure. in dogs and minimize aminoglycoside toxicity (antibiotic) in many domestic animals. Some laboratory studies have shown the ability of garlic to suppress formation tumors.
All of these effects should be considered minor, and comparable to the likelihood of garlic damage to red blood cells in dogs and cats.
How safe is garlic?
There is a chance that garlic can increase insulin secretion, and therefore, it can also benefit dogs, suffering from diabetes. However, at the same time, garlic follows with use caution for animals receiving insulin. Garlic can also reduce blood coagulation and enhance action anticoagulants.
The main problem caused by eating garlic in dogs and cats, is its ability to cause oxidative stress, which leads to damage to red blood cells, and, accordingly, increases the risk of anemia in animals. However, this is necessary large doses, with slightly the same use of garlic, indicators red blood cells are proven to remain the same. The simultaneous use of antioxidants can also protect red blood cells from the harmful effects of garlic.
Where can I get garlic or its additives?
Garlic supplements are virtually unregulated, therefore some of them contain different from that indicated on the package amount of garlic. These supplements are available over the counter. Ask your vet, what kind of garlic supplement would he recommend to your pet.
