Unknown quantity

I read Richard Allport's article about the chemicals in "spot on" flea treatments and he said he uses garlic in his dogs food which is something I have done for many years, my dogs have never had fleas, ticks or worms. I particularly want to avoid chemicals now as my best friend Judy (black Lab) has multi allergy problems which includes a mud rash, interdigital cysts and ear problems. I buy white fish, cook jacket potatoes and give her a selection of veg along with evening primrose and garlic. 

I was horrified when I read the poisons article, I knew about onions but it says including garlic and leeks! Should I be giving her garlic like Richard suggests or am I poisoning her? 

Please help I am very confused.

Maria Ashworth, by email

I don't want to test my cat's nine lives

I wonder if you or any of your readers (or contributors!) can help me?

I am currently without a dog (although waiting for our puppy to be born, hopefully this month :oD ) but wonder if any of your readers can advise me about natural flea treatments/deterrents for cats?

I've read that garlic can be fatal for a cat but I hate putting chemical spot-on treatments on him because he goes a bit mental - I'm sure they can't do him any good (like the chemical wormers) but just have no idea what to use as an alternative and the internet articles are just so contradictory (ie, use garlic: NO, don't, it'll kill your pet in days: nah, it's absolutely fine!).

If anyone can offer me any (tested!) advice, I'd be so grateful! 



Thanks everyone!

Pippa Casely, via Facebook

Keeping vampires at bay

Hi Richard, wondered if you might be able to help.

I am interested to know how 'safe' garlic is for dogs - I have been using it for about three years - tiny bit in the food each day to ward off bugs and help with immune system. I constantly get told 'oooh you shouldn't do that, it’s bad for your dog blah blah', but I did hear that although from a similar family, garlic does not have an ingredient/layer that onions do which is what is toxic to dogs. Do you have any further info on that at all by any chance?

Thanks guys!

Donna Saunders, by email


Richard Allport, vet, advises...

Hallo Donna

Garlic is very safe. It is a member of the onion family, and onions are indeed toxic to dogs – they contain a chemical called thiosulphite which can damage red blood cells, causing serious anaemia. However, even in the case of onions, a dog weighing 55lbs would need to eat between three quarters and a pound and a half of onions at one go to be poisoned. Garlic does contain the same chemical, but much less of it, and is probably less than half as toxic – so our same dog would need to eat two or three pounds of garlic to be poisoned.

So small amounts of garlic are fine – but as the toxic effect can to some extent accumulate with repeated doses, I usually recommend having a break from continuous dosing now and then – so one week on, one week off is fine, or two weeks on, one week off would also be perfectly acceptable.

Garlic is such a health giving supplement – its anti infective, helps clears respiratory congestion, can strengthen the circulation, boosts the immune system, and helps keep parasites away – don’t stop giving the garlic!

Richard Allport