Question:

What possible reason could my 1-year-old cat have for constantly dropping his favorite toy in his water dish?.

D.B., Lockport, NY Jan 29, 2006

Answer:

Many cats do this, and I interpret it as a "go fish" kind of game in which inventive cats engage. It is one of many ways that they enrich their environments.Most cats enjoy a climbing tree or gym and the company of another compatible cat. Cats get on best when they are related, such as littermates or mother and offspring.

Question:

I have been feeding salted peanuts to our local grackles and gulls. They seem to appreciate it, but I''ve been told that salted peanuts are bad for our feathered friends. I would not knowingly hurt any animal. Please let me know if I''m helping or hurting.

A.G., Naples, FL Jan 29, 2006

Answer:

Peanuts can be bad for our feathered friends if they are moldy (aflatoxin being one of several mold poisons), so be sure that the peanuts you are putting out are neither moldy nor smell rancid.Rinse the nuts first in hot water to clean off the salt, too much of which is bad for birds and humans. You might find it cheaper to go to a pet- or bird-supply store and buy regular peanuts in bulk. Or you might try a mix of various seeds, like sunflower and millet.If you are feeding the birds in your yard, do set up a water bath (with an immersion heater for winter), because in cold weather birds need plenty of water as well as food.

Question:

Hi. I have a dog that will growl at other people when it is on its owner''s lap. When the owner puts the dog down it seems helpless.

R.H.B., 10 years old, Hazlet Jan 29, 2006

Answer:

I enjoy receiving letters from caring young readers like you. You are very observant about your dog.Why does he growl? Probably because he feels more secure and self-confident in a person''s lap. He might be saying, "Leave me alone, I don''t want to be disturbed. This is my spot." Or he could be simply acting in a protective way, telling other people that it is his job to protect his owner. Either way, he should not be disciplined. Instead, simply respect his "keep away" behavior. When he is put down on the floor and "seems helpless," maybe he''s scared or is being his usual submissive self.I hope you know what games he plays and what treats he likes. Spend some time with him by taking him for walks, and give him a good brushing -- things most dogs really enjoy. This is a way for you to let him know how much you care for him.

Question:

Two years ago, I adopted a Shih Tzu dog from a shelter. While he is adorable and well behaved most of the time, he has serious issues that have us puzzled and upset.He is extremely food-protective: He''ll attack if you go near him. If we are in the car, no one can go near us (gas station, drive-up bank, etc.). He gets ferocious and uncontrollable. He has bitten us on several occasions and, truthfully, the only reason we haven''t put him down is because he is so sweet most of the time. We''re hoping to overcome his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde behavior.There have also been unprovoked attacks. His back arches and his eyes glaze over, and then he either growls or tries to bite. He growls and barks at my husband more than anyone else. For the most part, he is not social with other dogs, either. He gets along with my son''s two dogs, who are with him almost every day, but he either ignores other dogs when we are outdoors or he tries to attack.We have had dogs all of our lives and have never had this kind of problem until

E.B., Pomona, NY Jan 29, 2006

Answer:

Your dog is not unique. He suffers from a schizo-affective disorder, a kind of "split personality." This may have a genetic basis, or it could also come from being teased and abused earlier in life.My advice is to avoid confrontations in those situations in which he may flip. Ignore his growls and snaps around the food bowl. Take extra precautions around strangers, especially children, and consider having him wear a comfortable muzzle when high-risk situations are unavoidable.Your veterinarian can prescribe psychotropic medications, such as Prozac and Elavil, that may greatly improve your dog''s emotional stability, quality of life and relationship with the rest of his family. Some dogs like yours can become so disturbed that they go into seizures, which may reflect a neurological abnormality. Low daily doses of a mild tranquillizer or sedative prescribed by the veterinarian for a trial period of seven to 10 days would be a good start in finding some resolution to this difficult disorder.

Question:

I am at my wits'' end. I have two cats that fight all the time.My female, Molly, is 3 years old, and my neutered male, Maxie, is about 11 months old. I have had Molly since she was a kitten, and I acquired Maxie about five months ago. Molly spends her time running and hiding from Maxie. I have to separate the two of them when we go to bed at night. The next morning, it starts all over again.We got Maxie as a playmate for Molly, and Maxie is very active. Molly doesn''t want to be bothered. Why does Maxie keep attacking her?Please advise. Any help will be appreciated.

S.D., Springfield, Va Jan 29, 2006

Answer:

It can be difficult to make cats that don''t get along socialize together and make peace. Generally, cats from the same litter, or mother and kitten, get on well together.As often as possible, keep the two cats in the same room with you. Play with each of them. Groom one, then the other. Don''t let Molly hide, and if and when Maxie goes after her, shout "No, Maxie!" and put a towel over him. Or squirt him with a plant sprayer or water pistol. Do this if you are certain Maxie is really out to fight and not just trying to play with flighty Molly. Many cats respond to such discipline and behavioral correction.If these solutions fail, try pheromone therapy. Ask your veterinarian for a room diffuser and Feliway, a new product that purportedly can work wonders in helping cats get along better. Alternatively, adopt a young and healthy playmate for Maxie. Often a three-cat home is more peaceful than a two-cat home when the first two are not that compatible, as seems to be the situation with Maxie and Molly.

Question:

I just wanted to tell you that I think your phrase "spark his soul so he can (again) sing to the sky and bring heaven down to where Earth abides" is one of the most beautiful spiritual phrases I have ever heard. I want to share with you a similar true story.After seven months of gently and lovingly caring for a 14-year-old German shepherd who had been neglected in the past, one very clear night he looked up at twinkling lights above and, surprisingly, began to bark at the sky. But, because I saw that he had a joyful expression on his face, I was not concerned. Instead, I was thrilled. Why? Because I knew that for the first time in his life, his ego (and his consciousness of it) had strengthened to the point where he could look up at the vast darkness and introduce himself to the universe. He said: "I am Sam. I want you to know me because I, too, am important." -- G.G.A., Annandale, Va.DEAR G.G.A.: Thank you so much for your touching account of Sammy''s moment of transcendent, boundless joy. And thanks to you

T.M., St. Peter, MN Jan 22, 2006

Answer:

Keep water in a large bowl or pen, and place a smaller bowl with dog food in the water. -- D.J., Miami, Fla.-- My cat had feline acne (black spots on chin) that went away when her plastic bowls were replaced with glass ones. It returned quickly when I used the plastic again. -- K.M.T., Sterling, Va. (confirmed by J.S., Alexandria, Va.)-- 1/4 of a teaspoon of local raw honey (that contains pollen), twice daily after meals, stopped my Weimaraner from developing the usual seasonal allergy (swollen/itchy paws and ears). -- M.S., Vienna,

Question:

About eight months ago, I adopted an older (8-year-old) cat who seemed to adjust readily to his new home. Then, about three months ago, he began having bowel movements outside of his litter box. After trying to rule out changes in the household and cleanliness of the litter box, I took him to the vet, who was unable to identify why this was happening but commented that it was unusual for the cat to be choosing "soft" surfaces (such as bedding, throw rugs and upholstered furniture) for this behavior. He suggested that I put out a second litter box with a different type of litter. I did and, for a few weeks, the behavior stopped. Then, three weeks later (only one day after making sure the boxes had been emptied, washed and filled), the cat again had a bowel movement elsewhere in the house. Though not every week, the problem persists. What''s a person to do?.

W., Baltimore, Md Jan 22, 2006

Answer:

Have the veterinarian check your cat''s anal glands; also consider appropriate treatment if your cat is either constipated or has diarrhea -- common reasons why cats become house-soilers.If all physical reasons are ruled out, then consider environmental ones, such as the location of the litter box (in a quiet, low-traffic area) and type of litter you are using. Don''t allow the cat on trigger surfaces that are soft, crunchy (like a bean bag) or resemble the texture of grass or dirt.Also consider psychological causes, such as possible stress in the home. The use of an anxiety-reducing medication is called for if the stress cannot be eliminated.Many cats like yours show improvement when their diets are changed. In other cases, the problem of becoming un-housebroken, which is not a justifiable reason for getting rid of the cat, is the tip of the iceberg, and underlying health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, surface later. Hence, cats should never be punished/disciplined for house-soiling.

Question:

I have two ferrets with which I am hopelessly in love. To me, they''re the most adorable creatures God ever made. They are neat, sweet, petite, agreeable, happy, sunshiny and fun!Their problem is fleas. Since reading negative reports in your column and elsewhere about Advantage (which I have used), I am and have been concerned with long-term effects and would like to find a natural alternative if one exists. I have spoken to care-product manufacturers and they all tell me there are no flea products for ferrets. That seems to say a lot. Can you suggest any other flea-control methods for ferrets? My vet tells me fleas can kill if there are too many. Another problem is that my ferrets hate baths.And here''s a bit of advice for prospective ferret owners: Ferrets love to be with their own kind. My two are inseparable and do everything together. And two are so much more fun than just one.

B.W., Fletcher, NC Jan 15, 2006

Answer:

Ferrets, like most animals (including humans), enjoy and need each other''s company. I consider it a cruelty, which is widespread, for people to keep highly social animals (like parakeets, rats, guinea pigs and ferrets) in small cages with no social life, totally deprived from ever being with their own kind and from ever experiencing their true natures.For safe flea-control methods, visit my Web site, www.doctormwfox.org. A flea comb is your best tool, along with a sprinkling of brewer''s yeast in their food every day and a weekly dusting of their coats with porous, sedimentary earth to dry up the fleas. Very thorough weekly vacuuming of your entire house (every crack and crevice, every pleat and fold in upholstery) is also a must.DOG''S "LAUGH" CALMS OTHERSIn my earlier research I identified the human equivalent of laughter in dogs as a throaty panting that they often give in greeting and when initiating play. Red foxes add a vocal gargle-scream as well as clear huff-pants when greeting and playing. Behavioris

Question:

Many of us are thoroughly confused about the proper schedule of vaccinations for dogs after the initial inoculations are given. I understand that they should be given at age 1 and every three years thereafter. I would like to hear your recommendations.

M.B., Richmond, Va Jan 08, 2006

Answer:

Check my Web site (www.doctormwfox.org) for a synopsis of the minimal vaccination protocols for dogs and cats.You are correct in stating that after the "core" vaccinations have been given at 1 year of age (after a series of puppy shots), booster vaccinations are not generally necessary for many years, if not the entire life of the animal. Repeated, unnecessary vaccinations in dogs can interfere with their immunity and lead to the production of antibodies that attack the dog''s own body organs, tissues and cells, some breeds being more prone than others. These autoimmune diseases, like lupus, can affect the heart, joints and tendons, pancreas, thyroid, kidneys, adrenal glands, etc. The body literally attacks itself to cause the autoimmune disease, according to the findings of Dr. Larry T. Glickman and co-researchers at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.Not all animals have a good immune response to the earlier vaccinations, so I advise blood titer tests be conducted. My own three dogs have had hi

Question:

In the past, I''ve given my adult cats echinacea tincture when they''ve had the sniffles and sneezes. It seemed to work. Could this have hurt them in any way? What, if any, side effects could this cause?.

C.M.T., Falls Church, Va Jan 08, 2006

Answer:

I am not aware of harmful side effects, but I do know of studies that refute any purported immune-system benefits of this herb. It may depend on the quality of the tincture and the nature of the disease.Mild infections and allergies may be alleviated by this and other herbal remedies. Chronic sinus problems in cats can be difficult to treat. A room diffuser laced with various essential oils like eucalyptus, hyssop, frankincense and ravensare can be of immense value, provided the oils are not adulterated and are diluted sufficiently so as to not cause irritation or fear.Chronic sinus, gum and other infections in cats can be a telltale sign of an impaired immune system, often caused by a chronic viral infection such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS. In some cases, a food allergy is at the root of the problem, and changing the diet to eliminate ingredients like corn and dairy products can help improve the cat''s overall health and sinusitis. Some cats are allergic to people -- human dander, toiletries, laundry