Question:

I live in a community where we''re only allowed two animals. I have three. I went to the county kennel recently to adopt another one and was refused because I''m over the limit. They said they''re following the local ordinances now. I''m taking my case to the city council. Could you supply me with a paragraph statement that says, in effect, that having three or four dogs is a pack thing? They enjoy each other''s company and surely bark less because they have companionship when the owner isn''t home.

L.H., Cleveland, OH Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

It is my considered opinion as a veterinarian, animal behaviorist and author of several books that most dogs do best when kept together as small packs. The dog is by nature a highly social species and a pack-living animal. The human family can serve as a surrogate pack to only a limited degree. Dogs alone all day suffer from separation anxiety, boredom and extreme loneliness.

Having more than one dog is therefore a humane decision, but limiting a household to two dogs is ill-advised and as a statute or law is arbitrary, capricious and without scientific validity. From my own research and personal experience living with dogs, an optimal number is between three and five, with numbers up to eight or nine depending on the breed or type of dogs, and management ability of the homeowner. The upper number represents a full pack that could include littermates/siblings, but all animals should be neutered unless a breeding permit is obtained and the facility subject to regular, unannounced inspection by the appropriate authorities.

Question:

My cat eats plastic, especially plastic bags. Can you tell me what causes him to do this? What can I do about it?

T.H., Clovis, CA Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

Cats like to chew and lick plastic possibly because stearates derived from animal fat are often incorporated to make the material flexible. That''s my theory to explain why some cats like to steal, lick and nibble paper money that is coated with chemicals containing derivatives of animal fat. Many plastics contain harmful chemicals called phthalates and bisphenol A, so keep your cat away from all plastics, including food and water containers.

Your cat may crave come roughage in his diet, so try sprouting some wheat grass or buy barley green for cats. Boredom can be a factor, too, so get some safe cat toys and play with your feline companion.

Question:

Thanks for your column regarding the mini-schnauzer. I hope your answer to the letter writer gives her a better understanding of how to treat animals. We need more people like you to remind us that all animals are little souls who need to be treated kindly. Just look into their eyes -- they want to trust us. It pains me so much when I read of the awful ways animals are treated around the world. Your columns make me feel there is some hope for change. Thanks again. And God bless your work.

H.L., Bloomington, MN Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

Thank you for sharing your concerns and wisdom. Yes, indeed, "just look into their eyes." But first we must open ours (and our hearts, too). We must begin the process of developing empathy and respect for all living creatures early in life through appropriate parental example and humane education from grade school on. Ultimately, this will mean less animal neglect and cruelty, and as many studies indicate, make for better parenting. Exposure to animals early in life doesn''t only teach children how to be observant and caring; it also helps reduce the incidence of allergies and may help many children cope better with minor emotional problems when they have the unconditional love and companionship of an affectionate and responsive animal in their lives. Animals can indeed be our teachers and healers.

Question:

I read your column with regard to the Westie in our Saturday paper. We, too, own a Westie. When he was a puppy, he swallowed a piece of plastic and needed an endoscopy procedure. They found that the walls of his intestines were thickening. Our vet determined that he had a wheat allergy, and he is now on a potato-and-venison diet and no wheat -- there are treats with no wheat in them. He does not throw up anymore. We would not have found out about the wheat allergy without our Westie swallowing the plastic. He is a very healthy 14-year-old today. Thought this might help the people in Clifton, Va.

C.D., Minneapolis, MN Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

Thanks for the alert on this serious problem that is evident in other breeds as well, and also in crossbreeds or mutts. For details on this and related dietary problems, see my review articles on my Web site, www.DrFoxVet.com.

Question:

How can we help the dogs and cats in southern China? Millions of dogs and cats in China are being bludgeoned and hanged with wire nooses so their fur can be turned into trim, coats, etc. Some of the animals still have their collars on, but are stolen to make profit. Did you know China supplies more than half of the finished fur garments to the United States? Often deliberately mislabeled, the fur is exported throughout the world. It is sold to unsuspecting customers in retail stores. These animals are desperate. They die at the hands of cruel people -- some are skinned alive. Please tell us how to stop this.

N.F., Westfield, NJ Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

It is horrendous what happens to dogs and cats in China and other countries where they are treated like vermin and are cruelly exploited for their flesh and fur. Many conscientious consumers look for labels of country origin/manufacturer and shop accordingly, but we will not see significant progress in animal welfare and protection in these very different cultures until there is progress in human rights and environmental protection. Call it moral or spiritual evolution, but some cultures seem to be at an impasse. The breakthrough comes with the collective realization that respect for all life is ultimately, enlightened self-interest. For more details, visit my Web site, www.DrFoxVet.com, for relevant articles. When we harm the environment, we harm ourselves. And when we demean and abuse animals, we do no less harm to our own humanity. Compassion is the only sure foundation for a just and humane society.

Question:

When is the best time to give up puppies or kittens? My neighbor had gotten a 3-week-old kitten because the family did not want the mother cat to get attached to it.

J.M.H., Minneapolis, MN Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

It is quite wrong to wean pups and kittens before at least 6 weeks of age, since they need their mothers'' milk and maternal care. I can understand the sentiment behind separating at 3 weeks of age, but because of high levels of milk production and circulating hormones, cats and dogs are likely to suffer more when their offspring are taken away at such a young age. The practice of early separation just a couple of days after birth is common practice with dairy cows and their calves. The reason given is so the cows don''t get too attached, but that''s nonsense when you hear them bellowing in distress. We humans just want the milk for ourselves! Kittens (and also pups) often develop behavioral problems later in life when weaned too early, ranging from over-attachment to humans to obsessive, oral self-comforting behaviors like sucking on owners'' arms, earlobes, their own paws and tails and the corners of pillows and blankets. I do not ever advise disciplining animals to inhibit such behavior. Instead, try remotivation, as with a toy, and engage in play or groom the animal.

Question:

Our female cat is pulling her hair out at her backside -- on top, close to the tail. She is fine in all other regards -- good appetite, good toilet, etc.; but she seems a bit thinner. Could having fleas make her do this? She stays indoors mostly, but does like going outside. She scratches herself often. She eats Fancy Feast dry cat food and enjoys Whiskas Temptations (soft inside) treats. We will sometimes give her cooked chicken and tuna or baked salmon.

J.L.N., Lebanon, Mo Apr 12, 2009

Answer:

A veterinary checkup is called for because your cat''s symptoms are indicative of a possible hyperactive thyroid that, if left untreated, will only get worse. Your cat will lose more weight, pull out more fur, possibly become aggressive, show restlessness at night and even have seizures. Fleabite hypersensitivity and food allergy or serious deficiencies in omega-3 essential fatty acids are all worth considering as contributing factors. Your cat is lucky to have such caring owners as you. Let me know how she fares following appropriate tests and treatment.

Question:

My husband and I have a 1-1/2-year-old spayed beagle mix. She suffers from urinary-tract infections (UTI). Her symptoms include frequent urination (particularly at night while sleeping) and licking of her genitals.

Our vet said that tests indicated high pH levels in the alkaline range and her problems stem from an irritation of her bladder and not her kidneys. The standard course of treatment has been several rounds of antibiotics lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 days. She can typically hold her urine when walking, but only for a few hours at a time. We provide her plenty of access to fresh, unfiltered water during the day and let her out several times.

I researched UTIs in dogs on the Internet and concluded that dry dog food could be part of the problem because of its low moisture content. Although our dog was eating the Solid Gold dog-food line (which I considered to be of high quality), I have begun to switch her over to your dog-food recipe (which I''ve seen work miracles) that we already feed our older dog. We have also been supplementing organic cranberry juice (no sugar added) to her diet.

Is there anything else you would recommend? We love our dog dearly, but the daily washing of her bed and towels is starting to wear on us (and her).

J.L., Winston-Salem, NC Apr 05, 2009

Answer:

You are absolutely on the right track. Dogs'' and cats'' urine should be slightly acidic, but cereals in the diet can make the urine too alkaline, which can cause urinary-tract problems. Organic, sugar-free cranberry juice (or concentrated powder in capsules) is an excellent acidifier and urinary-tract disinfectant. Giving your dog probiotics in her food may also help improve her overall condition and ward off urinary-tract infection. But do not give antibiotics at the same time. I am glad that you have seen my basic homemade recipe "work miracles." Uncounted numbers of cat and dog owners are witness to the benefits of good nutrition on the health and vitality of their animal companions. Recipes for dogs and cats, and to make treats, are on my Web site, www.DrFoxVet.com

Question:

I have a female border collie who's about 14 years old. Since July 2008, she has experienced seizures, high anxiety, panting, drooling, chewing, clawing and destroying anything she can get her paws on. She was tested negative for Cushing's disease. We've tried Selegiline (7.5 mg., three times a day) and Prednisone (10 mg. per day). These medications have made no difference in preventing the seizures. She has a good appetite and normal body functions. I cannot leave the house because of the destruction during these seizures. Please help.

R.R., Kitty Hawk, NC Apr 05, 2009

Answer:

Seizures in old dogs can be triggered by many factors, highly probable ones being a brain tumor or serious liver or kidney disease. The destructive behavior (wanting to compulsively chew things) can take on an almost psychotic aspect, the animal seems to be mentally deranged. Such behavior could be a desperate attempt to alleviate excruciating pain. Your dog should have been hospitalized, videotaped and given a full blood and urine analysis. My guess is that she has so-called "hepatic encephalopathy" that in some instances can be ameliorated with a special diet (no wheat products), vitamins and other supplements, and milk thistle -- an herb that can help restore liver function. I battled chronic liver disease for some years with our beloved dog Xylo whom my wife rescued and kept for a while at her animal refuge in India. But in the end, we opted for euthanasia when uncontrollable seizures developed.

Question:

My daughter has a 10-year-old male golden retriever who is developing small, fatty lumps. He recently developed one on a front paw, and it''s the size of a small fist. Is this something common to this breed? The vet doesn''t seem concerned about the lumps.

G.R., Virginia Beach, Va Apr 05, 2009

Answer:

The veterinarian is not especially concerned because these small, fatty lumps are just that -- non-cancerous tumors of fat called lipomas. Why some dogs develop these often-unsightly growths is still a mystery. I believe that high levels of carbohydrates in the diet may play a role in the development of these tumors, along with genetic background and estrogen-mimicking chemicals that are in our food, water and living environments. When they become abraded and infected from rubbing and licking or when they interfere with the dog''s freedom of movement, removal is called for.