Question:

I was disappointed in your answer to J.C. from Miami in response to the question about how to treat his dog for arthritis. You did not mention acupuncture as a treatment he might try.I had a dog that developed arthritis in his knees when he got older. My vet put him on Rimadyl for the pain. Not liking what the vet told me or what I read about this medication on the Internet, I started taking my dog to a holistic vet for acupuncture. It worked beautifully! I was able to get my dog almost entirely off the Rimadyl. For the last few years of his life, I was taking my dog for an acupuncture treatment every three months. Occasionally, between treatments, he would look as if he just didn''t feel well. At these times, I would give him Rimadyl for a day or two and he would then be fine until his next acupuncture treatment. Please tell your readers that acupuncture is a valid treatment for pets in pain.

N.S., Fairfax Station, Va Feb 24, 2008

Answer:

I am a strong advocate of acupuncture for a variety of conditions in cats, dogs, humans and other animals. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of repeated treatments are, as you confirm, bordering on the miraculous. Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy, coupled with massage and various herbal and nutraceutical supplements can help many patients suffering from chronic arthritis.

Question:

We rescued a puppy that was starved, had little hair and was in very bad condition.We took him to a vet who administered Mitaban Dip and an Ivermectin injection. A month later, he received DA2PLCPV and Paramite Dip. Then -- shortly after that -- he received another Paramite Dip and Ivermectin injection.He was diagnosed as having sarcoptic mange (which he now shows negative), but his skin is really no better. He scratches constantly and has lots of scaling, sometimes even a split in the skin. I hope you can help me find an answer for him. Thank you.

D.T., Ponder, TX Feb 24, 2008

Answer:

From the list of treatments (injections, dips and vaccinations) over such a short period of time, I am surprised that your pup is still alive.Sarcoptic mange is not uncommon in strays, lost or malnourished pups and adult dogs. I have treated many in India and an Ivermectin injection is the drug of choice -- a second injection is rarely needed.De-worming may be necessary, and good nutrition with supplements to boost the immune system -- notably fish or flaxseed oil, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, E and B-complex. You make no mention of these measures in your letter.A holistic approach to helping your dog heal, build up a stronger immune system and recover from overuse of pesticidal drugs is therefore called for.To order Dr. Michael W. Fox''s newsletter, Animal Doctor, on providing the best care for your animal companion, send a check or money order for $2 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Send your questions to Dr. Fox in care of this newspaper. The vol

Question:

This is in response to your request for reports on changing pets'' diets to all-natural, whole foods.We have had our 12-year-old chocolate Lab since he was almost 1 year old. Until about six months ago, he ate dry or canned food with some daily supplementary table scraps. After the recent pet-food recalls, I opted to eliminate processed pet food altogether.Also, for his entire life until about five months ago, our dog had a large, firm, swollen dewclaw about the size of a thumbnail. It did not bother him, and we assumed (along with our vet) that it was just a poorly removed dewclaw.Less than one month after turning to a whole-food diet, this dewclaw popped and drained teaspoons full of pus. The dewclaw now remains normal size with no swelling or drainage.This is evidence of a healthier immune system. It appears that he might have slightly better muscle tone, as well.

C.W., New York, NY Feb 10, 2008

Answer:

Thanks for confirming the healing power of good nutrition. I believe your conclusion that your dog''s improvement is evidence of a healthier immune system is spot-on.It is a shocking fact that both human and animal doctors, until recently, had little education in the field of nutrition during college. Nowadays, there is much more research on how nutrients can influence gene expression, disease susceptibility and neurological and cognitive development. These are exciting new frontiers, especially when coupled with growing evidence of the multiple harms caused by pesticides and other agricultural chemicals and the nutritional deficiencies of conventionally grown crops versus superior, organically grown crops.

Question:

After reading your column in the our local paper and visiting your Web site, we have decided to wean our two 4-year-old cats from a premium dry food and start them on an organic wet food. The complication is this:Stetson and Mavis have always eaten ad lib and prefer to graze on dry food, as well. I''ve been working to introduce the wet food and have been leaving them less and less dry food, feeding them frequent, small amounts of the wet food. Unfortunately, we both work during the day, so we cannot constantly check up on the cats'' supply of wet food.Do you have any suggestions about the best way to wean cats from dry to wet food? Would it be appropriate to feed them larger portions twice a day without access to the dry food that they continue to eat despite our best efforts?Many thanks for your assistance and all you do for animals and the people who love and respect them.

M.H.Z., Minneapolis, MN Feb 10, 2008

Answer:

Cats in the wild do not graze or feed "ad lib." Dry cat-food dispensers that enable cats to snack all day (and only too often causes them to become obese and sickly) should be thrown out. For too many cats addicted to dry food, this is a quick ticket to obesity and diabetes.Wild cats are opportunistic hunters, adjusting daily from maybe a dozen small snacks (grasshoppers, lizards, mice, small birds) to three or four meals (larger prey, like rabbits).I see nothing unnatural in feeding cats quality meat-based moist food (free of both cereals and vegetables) as soon as you get up and when you get home from work. Do this again mid-evening and again before you turn in for the night.

Question:

We have a 4-year-old Yorkie-bichon mix that had surgery recently for bladder stones.His vet put him on Hills UD, but he will only eat it once every three days out of desperation. I am hoping you can tell me how to feed him a low-protein diet without making him suffer. A homemade recipe would be great and appreciated by both of us.

C.K., Brooklyn Park, MN Feb 10, 2008

Answer:

The reason why many dogs and cats develop calcium-oxalate stones and crystals in their lower urinary tracts may be because their manufactured diets are too acidic and high in calcium. Furthermore, some breeds, notably Yorkies, are predisposed to develop this particular malady.Pet-food manufacturers acidified cat and dog foods to reduce the occurrence of far more common struvite stones.Your veterinarian could try your dog on capsules of potassium citrate (150 mgm/kg per day in two to three divided doses) that is very unpalatable when mixed into the dog''s prescription diet. Pop the capsules down your dog''s throat after eating a home-prepared diet low in calcium and protein (that your dog should enjoy and that your vet should help you formulate). Season your dog''s drinking water with unsalted chicken or beef stock -- the more he drinks the better. The Amazon forest herb called chanca piedra, the "stone breaker," may also be of help. Go online to research this or have your veterinarian look it up.

Question:

My wife and I have several house cats and always two at a time. The problem usually arises when one cat dies and the other is left alone. We have seen real depression.The last time this occurred, our remaining cat was 4 years old. After about two months of watching her, we decided that she would probably enjoy a new companion. We went to the humane society and purchased a sweet 9-week-old female.Our problem is that the new kitten is stalking and pouncing on the older cat. The older one hides instead of striking back -- no battles or anything.We would like any suggestion you may have on how to change this sweet kitten''s aggressive behavior.We squirt water at her, put her in a separate room for a while, give her a light smack on her butt, etc -- but nothing seems to work. Both are female and have their claws. They are indoor cats and love to play with us -- but only separately.

D.B., Eden Prairie, MN Feb 10, 2008

Answer:

The young cat''s aggressive playfulness is not something that you should discipline her for. Just put her in another room when she gets too wild for 15 to 20 minutes in order to give the older cat a break.It''s good that you play with each of them. As the kitten matures, she should calm down, engage in less intrusive play-fighting and enjoy mutual grooming with the older cat who is clearly very tolerant. Cool cats just go off and hide, with an occasional hiss or paw swipe when a young upstart gets too wild.Set up a carpet-covered cat condo or jungle gym. Cats enjoy such vertical space and can get away from each other easily if they so choose.

Question:

I have a 48-pound pit-bull mix. She has recently been diagnosed with arthritis in her rear right leg along where the leg bends. The vet recommended Deramaxx every day. I checked the side effects and do not wish to give it to her every day. I am more interested in treating her naturally. I have been giving her a teaspoon of flaxseed oil in her food in the morning. I also give her a glucosamine-chondroitin-msm supplement that you recommended in one of your columns. At night, I give her one of my fish-oil pills. I buy her a good brand of dog food from a pet store that seems reputable.Unfortunately, I missed your column for the dog-food recipe that was mentioned for aiding dogs with arthritis. I would surely appreciate that and any other suggestions you might have. Do you believe I am helping her with what I am doing? I love her so much. I want to make sure I am doing the best for her.

P.L., Eastern Shore, Va Feb 10, 2008

Answer:

There have been reports of serious side effects for dogs that take various prescription drugs used to help alleviate arthritis. Drugs of similar type, widely prescribed for humans, have been recalled because of harmful, even fatal, side effects.The supplements you are giving your dog with her food are beneficial. You should also add turmeric (available in concentrated form in health stores), working your dog up to about one-third of an adult (human) dose. Or give her a teaspoon of the powdered spice daily in her food, beginning with just a pinch so she gets accustomed to it. Half a teaspoon of fish oil in her food once a day will help and may be a more effective alternative than flaxseed oil.I offer no specific recipe for arthritic dogs, but my basic dog recipe in my Newsletter has helped many dogs with joint and other health problems. Others have found my book -- "The Healing Touch for Dogs" (which provides a massage-therapy guide) -- extremely beneficial.

Question:

Do you think it''s safe to bring young children to a dog park? And how do you train a dog to feel comfortable and not threatened around children?Since I would hate to deny my dog the pleasures of the dog park (he loves the dogs and adults), do you have any suggestions on how I could help him feel more relaxed around children without exposing them to harm? He didn''t like puppies when we first came to the park, but owners would encourage me to let him interact with the puppies to teach them manners. Now he really likes the puppies. I don''t think any responsible parent would recommend the same training with respect to their children.

C.W., Minneapolis, MN Feb 03, 2008

Answer:

Until you are relaxed -- but still vigilant -- your dog will remain anxious when children come close, picking up on your tension and apprehension.He should learn that, just like puppies that haven''t learned their boundaries yet, children, too, can be unruly and unpredictable, but they are no real threat to him. As crazy and threatening as their actions may seem to him, he should learn that they have no aggressive intentions.Any children who are running and screaming with dogs around should be immediately disciplined, made to be quiet and instructed to move slowly and respectfully, especially around strange dogs. Running and playing with their own dogs is another thing. There are enough parks for children to run and scream in where no dogs are allowed, so children at dog parks and children around dogs -- who do not know or trust them -- need to be strictly supervised at all times and appropriately educated.

Question:

I have a 12-year-old Persian cat. Within the past year, he developed a hyperactive thyroid, which we are treating with medication.Our problem is that within the past month or so he does not sleep through the night and generally doesn''t sleep more than one or two hours at a time. He goes into our upstairs bath around 2 a.m. and begins to howl or cry loudly, which becomes louder and louder until someone comes up and stays with him.Could this behavior be connected to the thyroid disease, or could it be due to his age? We have taken him to see our veterinarian on several occasions but haven''t had much success in solving this issue. Your professional advice would be greatly appreciated. We desperately need a good night''s sleep.

A.K., Albany, NY Feb 03, 2008

Answer:

You join the ranks of many who get no sleep because their cat has developed what I term "nocturnal dysphoria." Another term is senile dementia. Some cats actually develop the equivalent of Alzheimer''s disease. Other cats are restless at night because of chronic pain -- like that from arthritis. A hyperactive thyroid gland could also be a contributing factor.I recommend giving him a warm heating-pad-lined nest or heat lamp to sleep under. Give him a late-night snack of two tablespoons of chopped, very lightly cooked (parboiled) fresh turkey.If these measures do not help, ask the vet to prescribe Selegiline medication that can be an effective remedy for your cat -- and give you peaceful nights. Alternatively, under veterinary supervision, try a late evening dose of Valium or Valerian or a combination of melatonin and 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan).

Question:

My 3-year-old Lab began shaking her head about six months ago. The first vet prescribed Simplicef (200 mg, one tablet a day), Otibiotic ointment and T8 Keto Flush. The results were mixed -- the ear infection appeared to clear up and the bad odor stopped, but the shaking continues.The second vet prescribed Cephalexin (500 mg, every 12 hours) and recommended the flush eight hours after the pills. Plus, he gave me Mometamax, which must be similar to the Otibiotic ointment. He explained that this malady is difficult to treat and may be chronic. Any ideas? Thanks.

B., Fort Worth, TX Feb 03, 2008

Answer:

Chronic ear infections are all too common and make life miserable for countless dogs. In many cases, an underlying food allergy or hypersensitivity (for example, to corn or beef) may be involved, especially if dogs improve after a change in diet. You should explore this. Give your dog a half-teaspoon of fish oil or a teaspoon of flaxseed oil in her food daily.Flushing out the ears with a warm solution of three parts apple-cider vinegar and one part distilled water for seven to 10 days may help. Dry the ears well after flushing. Even taping your dog''s ears over her head briefly to air out the external ear canals may help.