Antibacterial, immunostimulant, anticancer, nutritive, antioxidant, expectorant, reduces blood pressure, antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, tonic

Fresh, dried, tincture, or oil infusion

Garlic contains allicin, which provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial substances. Garlic works against many forms of virus as well, and does not compromise populations of intestinal flora.

Garlic can treat virtually any form of internal or external bacterial, viral or fungal infection, including parasitic infections. Fresh garlic can be used to fight infections in the mouth, throat, respiratory tract, stomach or intestines.

Garlic is a potent immunostimulant, that activates natural killer cells which seek out and destroy invading microbes and cancer cells. It has also been found that garlic contains a compound that inhibits various forms of cancerous growths in the body, by strengthening the actions of the liver.

Garlic can also lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can be helpful for breeds susceptible to hyperlipidemia, such as miniature schnauzers or beagles.

Garlic is effective against tapeworms and protozoans, by making their living environment less hospitable.

For use as an antibiotic, raw garlic or raw garlic juice must be used within three hours of chopping or pressing the fresh garlic cloves, or you need a good garlic extract from a reputable source.

For topical application, cut the raw garlic juice with some olive oil, vegetable glycerin or water at the starting rate of 1 part garlic juice to 2 parts liquid, to prevent irritation. To make a garlic oil, crush 2-3 cloves of garlic, wet them with vodka to help release the oils, and cover them with 4 ounces of olive oil. Shake vigorously and let stand in the refrigerator for an hour before using. Store in a tightly sealed jar. Do not keep for more than a month.

For treating minor injuries, ear infections or mites, use freshly crushed garlic or fresh garlic juice infused or diluted into olive oil.

For immune support, add 1/2-1 teaspoon of garlic oil (see above) per pound of food per feeding.

For preventing hyperlipidemia, give a once daily dose of 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of powdered or freshly chopped garlic per pound of food fed.

For treating tapeworms, use 1/2-1 teaspoon of garlic oil (see above) per pound of food per feeding, for 2-3 weeks. For protozoan infections like giardiasis, use fresh garlic.

• Using garlic as a topical antibiotic can cause acute reddening and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes if applied undiluted.
• Never use garlic preparations in the eyes.
• When used excessively or over an extended period, garlic may cause Heinz-body anemia, a potentially life-threatening blood disease.
• Garlic can cause digestive upset and gas when ingested.
• Garlic is not appropriate for young puppies.
• Cats are more sensitive to garlic than dogs are, watch for digestive upset and behavioural changes.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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