Question:

You often mention your disdain for monthly preventive flea control for dogs. What alternative methods do you suggest? Also, are you against the monthly heartworm chews?.

D.C., Stratford, CT Oct 29, 2006

Answer:

For people who do not live in the warmer states, where the flea and tick season is year-round, there is no point in giving flea-, tick- and heartworm-control medications out of season.Dogs are more at risk from heartworm, so I am not opposed to them being given the monthly prescription (with the exception of collie-type dogs, for whom the medications are poisonous). During mosquito-free cold months, preventive heartworm medication can be ceased.Dogs who spend most of their time indoors and indoor cats are being overmedicated with sometimes harmful antitick and antiflea drugs. The best preventives are a flea comb and Brewer''s yeast in the dog''s and cat''s food (1 teaspoon per 30 pounds body weight). Vacuum weekly throughout the entire house, sprinkling borax the night before where the animals lie, and over carpets and along cracks in floorboards, where flea larvae develop.

Question:

We brought our 11-month-old St. Bernard to our local animal hospital for a hot spot on his tail. He was put on antibiotics, prednisone and a steroid cream for a period of two weeks, with no instructions on weaning from the prednisone. Not even two full days after stopping the prednisone, our dog became very ill. He spent the better part of the next three weeks in another animal hospital deteriorating from what amounted to steroid withdrawal. As a last-ditch effort to save his life, dexamethasone was administered, followed by prednisone on a reducing schedule over a two-month period.It proved to be successful! At this time, our Saint is perfectly healthy. We feel very strongly, after witnessing what effect steroids can have, that every precaution should be taken by veterinarians when prescribing such drugs. Why would veterinarians prescribe a steroid without weaning, and why wouldn''t they explain the side effects that could possibly occur?.

L. & D.A., Colonie, NY Oct 29, 2006

Answer:

Since you were given no instructions to wean your dog off the steroids (which meant that he went into adrenal shock/insufficiency), the veterinarian involved should take full responsibility for all emergency treatment costs and follow-ups.Your letter is a warning to everyone, including human patients. Steroids play an important role in treating many disorders, but, since they are extremely potent, they should be prescribed with due precaution.

Question:

My beautiful 2-year-old golden retriever is forever scratching her ears and, at times, also her jaw. She scratches so hard she makes the skin around and inside her ears bleed.I took her to three different vets: 1. She was given a lotion for two weeks. She did better, but by the time the lotion was finished she started all over again. 2. The second vet told me to ignore it, nothing was wrong, there was no infection; but, if I wanted, I could rub in some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, which I did. As long as the cream was rubbed three times a day, she found some relief. But after the medication was done, she started to scratch again. 3. The third doctor said it was an ear infection and gave her antibiotics to be used for 15 days. She got better for a while, but once the medicating was over, she returned to the scratching.My husband and I are both disabled and can''t afford any more visits to veterinarians. I hope you have some good advice for us. We love our dog so.

A.C., Albany, NY Oct 29, 2006

Answer:

Many dogs with chronic ear infections and itchy skin make remarkable recoveries following a gradual shift to a natural, organic, whole-food diet.The recipe on my Web site (www.doctormwfox.org) would be a good starting point in trying to resolve your poor dog''s miserable condition. Cover her favorite resting areas with old cotton sheets to reduce possible contact allergies, and launder them weekly.

Question:

We humans learn at an early age that we will later become adult, middle-aged and elderly. What do dogs understand about aging? About death? About pain and illness? In these matters, are some breeds different from others?When Pickles (our much-loved Airedale terrier, suffering from a cancerous tumor) had to be anesthetized then euthanized, his 14-year-old companion (Skye) only glanced at Pickles in his burial carrier, while our 5-year-old wire fox terrier, who had never seemed to bond with Pickles, licked Pickles'' dead face with apparent affection.

R.W.H., Washington, DC Oct 29, 2006

Answer:

The difference between your two dogs'' reactions to viewing the body of your third dog is a difference shared by many dogs. They differ individually in so many ways: from extroversion to introversion, attention deficit disorder to remarkable focus, and in concentration and learning ability. Some dogs are all-around bright, others are savants, and many are idiot savants. Differences within one breed can be greater than the differences between breeds in many of these traits, abilities and limitations. Dogs differ in their empathy (evident feeling and concern for others) and in emotional intelligence. Just like us. The closer our bond with dogs and other animals, the more we appreciate their various personalities. Their personhood is not yet acknowledged by our judicial system.

Question:

Pete, our adopted 6-year-old cat, has aggression problems. He was the only one to survive from his litter, and I don''t think he ever learned appropriate socialization skills.My husband is in a wheelchair, and my cat will lie directly in his path so he can attack his feet. He also scratches and bites other people.Our vet suggested that he be allowed to go outside. He does, however, kill and eat mice. Is that harmful for him? His aggression has diminished greatly since being allowed to go outside.Also, is it likely that a fox would attack a 15-pound cat? There is a fox in the neighborhood now, and, although Pete is inside at night, he''s been seen in this area between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

D.W., Shoreview, MN Oct 29, 2006

Answer:

As you should know from reading my column, I am opposed to allowing cats to roam free. Yes, the local fox could kill your cat. And your cat could contract a disease from infected wildlife that could put you and your husband at risk, notably from toxoplasmosis (infection caused by parasites transmitted to humans from infected cats). Pete could also get caught in a steel-jaw trap or be shot by a hunter.Playing ambush and attacking feet and ankles is a popular game for cats. Having another compatible cat to play with is the best solution. Alternatively, your husband should play with your cat using a suitable fluffy toy or an old glove stuffed with catnip tied to a string that is attached to a short fishing pole.

Question:

I''m hoping you can give me some insight to help my 7-year-old bright and wonderful grandson.His family (my daughter and her husband) had a most endearing golden Labrador ever since it was a puppy. But Capri was not healthy and was found dead one morning about a year and a half ago. My daughter wants to get another golden Lab puppy, but my grandson cries so hard and says, "I didn''t say goodbye to Capri so she''s coming back to us." He wants no other dog but Capri in their home. He is such a dear, sensitive boy and loved his dog unconditionally.What can we say or do to help him realize Capri is not coming back? My grandson is heartbroken. It happened so fast, and he wasn''t able to say goodbye.

R.A.J., Barnegat, NJ Oct 22, 2006

Answer:

Perhaps your grandson would benefit from visiting the local animal shelter and petting some of the dogs and playing with puppies, if such arrangements could be made. Encouraging him to have contact with one or more friendly dogs may help heal his broken heart.Your grandson is still at the age of "magical" thinking. This means that he may well believe that if he wishes or prays hard enough, that Capri will return. Plus, he has memories of Capri that won''t go away, especially when he dreams. You might want to suggest to him that adopting a golden Lab pup (or any pup that appeals to him) would be to bring into the family a not-too-distant cousin of Capri''s, and that part of Capri has come back in the new pup''s spirit.

Question:

I have a 10-month-old female Bichon/poodle mix. I got her when she was 4 months old.My big problem is her biting and not taking discipline well. Saying "good girl" only makes her mad. I work, and she is in her crate when I am away. I have to use the crate because I don''t trust her. She chews anything she can get her teeth on, even though she has plenty of chew bones and toys.The biting seems to start out as play, but she eventually gets very aggressive. So far, I''m the only one she does this with. When she''s with the vet or the groomer, everyone comments on how sweet she is. Her behavior is great.She nips at my heels and legs -- not all the time but far too often. I am at a loss as to how to break her of this bad habit. I hope you have some suggestions.

M.W., Nixa, Mo Oct 22, 2006

Answer:

First, please do not keep your dog locked up in a crate all day while you are away at work. This is cruel and an all-too-common practice. Have a dog walker come by and take her out. Remove all items she might destroy and leave the crate open as a secure "den."Take your dog to obedience school or consult with a behavioral therapist. From what you describe, you have a young dog with lots of energy that does not know her boundaries and is beginning to show signs of dominance-aggression. You need to gain control over her so she develops self-control. That does not mean hitting or physically overpowering the dog -- the old-fashioned and outmoded way of training dogs, which can cause psychological trauma. Check the Web site for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.com for more information and contacts.Your dog needs to learn to sit and stay. When she wants to play-fight, give her a fluffy toy to "kill" or a knotted rope to have a tug-of-war with you.

Question:

I have a question about cat litter that I have not seen addressed in your column or anywhere else that I know of.The clumping-type litters are certainly more convenient to use than the older clay litters, but I am concerned about their safety. The hard, clumping litters seem to contain a substance like cement. Since some litter clings to the cat''s paws and some of this is later ingested by the cat, has this been shown to cause any health problems?I prefer to use the soft, clumping litter, which seems to form clumps by a physical rather than a chemical process. Isn''t the soft litter safer to use?.

B.J.M., Alexandria, Va Oct 22, 2006

Answer:

Many people have asked the same question, and there are rumors of cats suffering intestinal problems caused by this type of litter. But I have seen no such cases published and verified clinically in the veterinary literature. Anyone who has sound references on this issue should let me know.Any litter that sticks to a cat''s paws could cause inflammation of the pads and soft skin between the pads. This can pose a serious problem for cats that have been declawed.If your cat is swallowing bits of litter that stick to his or her feet, I would opt for another type of litter. Corn-based litters can cause allergies. Poor-quality ones that contain a lot of dust will cause respiratory and eye problems, especially in those cats that like to dig around the box.

Question:

My 8-pound, 3-year-old Shih Tzu is terrified of thunder. She pants desperately and shakes. She will keep me awake for hours at night until the storm passes. What would you suggest I do to desensitize her?.

P.T., Springfield, Mo Oct 22, 2006

Answer:

Fear of thunder (astraphobia) is very common in our canine companions and, like with fireworks, can mean abject terror and even injurious panic. Some dogs have been known to leap through windows and tear up doors.First, don''t leave your dog alone if a storm is forecast. Sit with her and wrap her in a blanket or large towel. Many dogs find that being wrapped is very comforting. Draw all curtains and turn up the volume on a television or radio.Treatment with Xanax, which your veterinarian can prescribe, about 30 minutes before a big storm or fireworks display may also help reduce fear and anxiety.Repeatedly playing a recording of a thunderstorm for 30 to 60 seconds (then for longer periods of time) several times a day may help desensitize your dog, as well.VETERINARY NEWS1. Spraying a mist of lavender oil in the car might help calm dogs that get overexcited while traveling. A couple of drops of oil on a gauze square tied to the collar may work, too.2. Vomiting, hypoglycemia, internal bleeding, liver failure an

Question:

After reading your column in my local newspaper, I visited your Web site to get your recipes for homemade pet food.I''ve been feeding my cats a raw-meat diet with cooked whole grains from recipes in Dr. Richard Pitcairn''s book "Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" (Rodale, 2005). My German shepherd also gets supplemental food of a high-quality kibble of lamb and rice. My older, overweight cat lost all of her excess fat and became lithe and active again. All my pets have glistening, silky coats and healthy teeth and gums.I notice in your recipes that you require cooking the meat. What about the destruction of taurine that results from cooking meat? I have been using uncooked hamburger, chicken, eggs and turkey without any adverse effects.

G.P., Washington, DC Oct 22, 2006

Answer:

The clam juice in my cat-food recipe will take care of the taurine need. Regular cooking does not destroy this and other essential nutrients nearly as much as does the processing involved in making commercial pet foods.There are parasites and potentially harmful bacteria in meat and poultry products, hence I advise light cooking and careful handling.People who feed raw meat and poultry to their animals can scald or rinse it in diluted hydrogen peroxide. I advise against buying ground meat and poultry since harmful bacterial contamination would be much more of a problem if the meat is uncooked. Solid, unground animal parts are safer and can be put into a grinder after surface cleaning and sterilization.