Garlic- good or bad?

Question
Hello, I have read conflicting things about whether garlic is good or bad for bunnies. On PubMed there are medical studies showing the reduction of arthersclerosis in rabbits w/ garlic use. However, non-expert sources such as House Rabbit groups are insistent that garlic is toxic. What is your opinion?

Second, what is the safest thing to put on a rabbit who is being overgroomed by the other?

Answer
Dear Melinda,

I would not give garlic or onions to a rabbit.  Mammals other than the great apes (including humans) sometimes contract a dangerous type of anemia (Heinz Body anemia) from compounds present in these aromatic vegetables.

Rabbits given a healthy diet don't generally have a high risk of atherosclerosis, so I wouldn't worry about that.  Just keep him on a healthy diet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

and you should be fine.

Overgrooming is usually a sign of boredom.  There's nothing you can put on the fur of the groomee to deter this over-affection, but you *can* help by giving the bunnies more free running time and lots of toys.  This usually distracts them sufficiently that they stop overgrooming.

I hope this helps.

Dana