GRAEDONS | People's Herbal Pharmacy Reader learns lesson:Garlic is toxic to dogs

Q. I heard that garlic could keep fleas from biting, so I put some in my dog's food for about a week. He became lethargic and couldn't even climb the lowest stairs. I thought this might be a reaction to the antibiotics I had him on to heal sores from the original fleabites.
I took him in again to check for infection, but there wasn't any. I casually mentioned the garlic, and the vet said that garlic is toxic to dogs. It causes something called Heinz body anemia. Please warn other readers.
A. Both garlic and onions can cause anemia in dogs. Cats are even more susceptible.
People often assume that they can give their pets the same things they take themselves, but that's not necessarily a good idea. Always check with the vet before giving your pet any medicine or extra treats such as chocolate or raisins, which are also toxic to dogs.
Q. A while back I wrote to complain that the bar of soap under the bottom sheet quit working for my restless legs. (It was great at first.)
Then I got to thinking, it worked before, so why not now? That bar of soap had been there for six months, so I replaced it.
The result: no more restless legs. A few times when I had symptoms, I put my feet on the soap, and the sensations went away in about two minutes.
A. It puzzles us that a bar of soap under the bottom sheet would help restless legs, but we have heard from so many other readers who have gotten relief that we believe something is happening.
We have collected this and many other remedies in our Guide to Leg Pain. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. RLS-5, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
In restless leg syndrome (RLS), people have an irresistible urge to move their legs. Some have a creepy-crawly sensation. Others complain of a feeling of pulling, tugging, burning or irritation inside the legs that stops only when the sufferer moves his legs.
Q. I love all kinds of chocolate. But no matter when I eat or drink it, I stay awake most of the night. Is there any way to get around this effect so I can enjoy chocolate and get its health benefits without losing sleep?
A. Although chocolate has very little caffeine (about as much as a cup of decaffeinated coffee), it does contain a related compound called theobromine. Some people are sensitive to its stimulant properties and may have to avoid chocolate.
Cocoa contains the same beneficial flavonoids as chocolate as long as it is processed without alkali. It too contains theobromine, so you may need to be cautious and limit the amount that you consume.
Q. I love licorice. My daughter and I both crave it, but I understand that black licorice could be harmful. What is the problem?
Does red licorice also cause trouble? I have tried Twizzlers red as a substitute and wonder if there is any limit on it.
A. The only limit on red licorice is caloric. Red Twizzlers do not contain any actual licorice.
Natural black-licorice candy is flavored with the extract of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Too much (1 ounce daily for weeks) can disrupt hormone balance and cause lack of libido, potassium loss, muscle weakness, fluid retention and high blood pressure.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at peoplespharmacy@gmail.com
& copy; 2005 King Features Syndicate Inc.