Question:

My 2-year-old female tabby has had ulcers on her lips -- twice. They bled the first time. This occurs every couple of months. My vet doesn't know what causes this, but he says that yellow cats are prone to it. It takes her a week to get back to her normal self.

R.A.S., Maysville, WVa Sep 27, 2010

Answer:

The most common cause of lip ulcers in cats is a herpes-virus infection (not transmissible to humans). Secondary bacterial infection and chronic inflammation can set in, leading to what is commonly called a "rodent ulcer." Eating and drinking from plastic containers may aggravate this condition, along with certain food allergies and contaminants in municipal tap water. Applying aloe-vera gel to the lips four to six times a day (ideally containing calendula herb) can help alleviate this condition, along with a wholesome diet, details of which you will find at www.feline-nutrition.org.

INHERITED DISORDERS IN PEDIGREE DOGS. A review of inherited disorders in purebred dogs published in the British Veterinary Journal (2010, Vol. 183: 39-45) will serve as a consumer alert and a clear appeal to breeders to be more vigilant in weeding out these problems that can mean a life of suffering and much expense. In a review of the top 50 breeds registered with the U.K. Kennel Club, a total of 312 inherited disorders were identified, the German shepherd having the most (58). Disorders affecting the largest number of breeds were hypothyroidism (43 breeds), hereditary adult-onset cataracts (38 breeds) and progressive retinal atrophy (35 breeds). For an earlier review by the American Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, check my website at www.DrFoxVet.com/DrFox.

Question:

I have a 1-year-old female golden retriever. She is a wonderful dog. I have started running with her, beginning with short distances and hoping to work up to my six-mile loop. My question: Should I be increasing the amount of food I'm feeding her in comparison to what I eat? She currently gets a total of 2-1/2 cups a day (1-1/4 cups in the morning; 1-1/4 cups at night) of adult lamb and rice AvoDerm.

S.B., Arlington, Va Sep 27, 2010

Answer:

Your dog needs more calories, and the dry food you are providing is too high in carbohydrates, which are not the best energy (calorie) source for dogs. A dog's metabolism is more on the side of a carnivore than a human omnivore who can get energy from carbohydrates. She needs some good-quality fat and protein in her diet, such as raw or lightly cooked grass-fed beef or free-range pork, chicken or turkey. If you plan to feed raw (about 1 cup daily with his regular food), don't use already ground-up hamburger that contains harmful bacteria. Grass-fed beef (and some dairy products) contain more beneficial fats than beef from conventionally fed animals, a trend that many chefs are now pursuing for their human clients. By the way, you could harm your dog by forcing her to run too far too fast. She is still a pup. So take it easy for the next year and never run with her after she has just eaten.

Question:

Our daughter-in-law has two Welsh terriers, Rosie and Dewi. When we lived in Texas, we had "granddog privileges" every Tuesday and Thursday. I would go get them, and they would spend the day with us. They were quite enthusiastic about their visits and were always waiting for me at the door. In 2006, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. For the most part, we were able to continue with the visits, but the dogs seemed to sense that something was wrong with me. When I was too sick or weak to play with them, they were content to lie beside me on the couch or bed until I could get up. The most interesting part was Rosie's obsession with my baldhead. My hair had begun falling out because of the chemotherapy treatments, so my wife had clipped it quite close to the scalp. While I was sitting on the couch, Rosie would lie behind me and continually lick my head until I had to make her stop. I couldn't help but liken it to folks who practice "laying on of hands" for healing. I'm not sure her "therapy" had all that much to do with my cancer being in remission, but she and Dewi sure boosted my morale at a stressful time in my life.

G.B.K., O'Fallon, Mo Sep 26, 2010

Answer:

Clearly, your "granddog" Rosie knew that you had not been well -- the chemotherapy no doubt altered your scent and, coupled with your weakness, triggered her empathic response of caregiving behavior. Licking is one way that dogs provide care and show concern. The use of lawn and garden chemicals around people's property has been linked to a similar form of cancer in dogs, and also with bladder cancer in some breeds. I wish all municipalities would prohibit homeowners from using herbicides like Roundup, which can be highly toxic to aquatic life, causing birth defects and possibly endocrine-system disruption. Municipal and state use of these chemicals in their war on weeds needs to be reduced. Children's public play areas where I live are sprayed routinely. Ironically, many "weeds" like dandelion have many health benefits -- the leaves make good salads, roasted roots a fine beverage, and the flowers are good for bees and make excellent wine.

Question:

I have two (male and female) black medium-hair cats who are now 5 years old. They were both neutered at 7 months old. They are true brother and sister -- always played and slept together, groomed each other, and were basically inseparable. But last December, the female started hissing, screaming and stalking the male. She would follow him wherever he went and pick a fight. The male backs down each time but has a puzzled look on his face. The female becomes crazed and growls with an eerie vibrating sound. This will go on for about a week, then everything is back to normal -- loving each other. A week later, it will all start again. She only takes it out on him, not my husband or me. The first time this happened, I took them both to the vet, thinking the male might be giving off an offensive odor or that she might not be feeling well. Short of X-rays, everything came back fine. The vet said she might need some counseling. I don't understand what is going on. I've always had cats but have never seen this situation before. She looks at him as if she doesn't recognize him. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. I feel bad for both of them.

A.M.D.G., Poughquag, NY Sep 26, 2010

Answer:

I have received several letters like this over the years, and this "crazy cat" schizoid behavior may involve several co-factors. Hyperactive thyroid disease should be considered. Other options include giving the cat amino-acid supplements like Tryptophan; catnip herb to eat or drink as a tea; treatment with valerian or Valium; and injection of progesterone, which can have a calming effect. I would like to hear from other cat owners who have experienced this schizoid-cat syndrome and what treatments they found that were most effective. Some cats may also display periodic hyperesthesia, twitching all over and a hypersensitivity to being petted, which triggers avoidance or aggression. Common sense would point to transitioning to a home-prepared diet of whole foods, as per the recipes at my website, and avoiding manufactured cat foods and treats as well as any topical flea products.

Question:

We have a wonderful golden retriever, 8 years old, named Apollo. He has always had a skin problem. When we first saw him as a baby, he was covered with dandruff, but we bought him from a family anyway. After consultation with our veterinarian, he suggested oil capsules, which we gave him for a couple of years with no improvement. Then I found a good dog food (called AvoDerm) at a local animal specialty feed store -- it contained avocado oil, which worked wonders. His dandruff disappeared, and his coat looked more healthy and vigorous. He was always sensitive to brushing, so we only brushed him once a week. We bathed him with oatmeal shampoo. Now, during the past two years, he has developed a terrible odor from his skin/coat. I tried your homemade recipe, but he had a problem with diarrhea. We discontinued that and found another good dog food without corn, primarily lamb, chicken and rice. We give him the multivitamin you recommend, mix yogurt with his food once a week, and provide bottled water. With all of this, the smell has not gone away.

Our veterinarian suggested that if the smell seemed yeasty in nature, it could be a thyroid problem. We had him tested for that, and it was normal. It's not a yeasty smell, but difficult to describe. It is definitely coming from his skin and coat. Otherwise, the dog is healthy, in every way.

R.H., Herndon, Va Sep 26, 2010

Answer:

I would have your dog's thyroid function retested to rule out that possibility. Several factors could be playing a role in his sickening body odor. Increasing his consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed meal and oil, beef and a little butter from grass-fed cattle) and wild canned mackerel once a week may improve his skin condition. Try a weekly bath of human Selsun Blue medicated shampoo. Give him a daily human dose of 500 mg silymarin (milk thistle) and 200 to 400 mg SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to help his liver, plus lecithin and brewer's yeast (that does not cause or aggravate yeast problems). Because he is an older dog, his liver and kidney functions should be checked at his next annual exam, which I presume includes a basic blood reading of his general condition. He's not too old, though, to transition onto a balanced meat and vegetable raw-food diet that can help many dogs who have poor coats and sickly body odor.

Question:

Your advice about frantic dogs was right on the mark. We've had many dogs through the years, and they can give you those big, sad eyes when you're leaving the house. I give mine a dog biscuit, a pat on the head and tell them to hold the fort while I'm gone. I always turn on the radio, making sure it's turned to an easy-listening station. When my grandson had it tuned to a rock station, my dachshund shredded a magazine. I guess dogs have musical preferences, too.

D.T., Godfrey, IL Sep 20, 2010

Answer:

Talk radio stations are like humans chatting in the living room, which has a calming effect for most dogs. They can be especially effective for many dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Some music, especially classical and music on the CD "Through a Dog's Ear" can be calming and helps dogs relax during car rides. Cows, too, "let down" their milk to such music; while loud rock and heavy metal have the opposite effect and can make them restless (as you discovered with your dog).

The dog's shredding of a magazine could have been a result of neurochemical changes in the brain in response to your grandson's music, causing intense arousal and either redirected aggression or aggressive play. Think of the rousing military bands, nationalistic anthems and the sound of bagpipes urging on brave troops, and we should not be surprised that the human is not the only animal to be profoundly affected by various kinds of music. When I played my shakuhachi flute for the dogs at my wife Deanna's refuge in India, all of the resident dogs would wag their tails and howl/sing. The lead dog would actually come to the breakfast table to get me to come out and play for them.

Question:

My daughter has three cats and they have all recently moved in with me. My daughter says I'm not to give the cats milk, only water. One of the cats goes kind of crazy when anyone opens a milk bottle or eats yogurt or ice cream. Am I supposed to limit their milk? Also, how often should I clean the litter box?

C.L., Fairfax, Va Sep 20, 2010

Answer:

Many cats are allergic to dairy products and, like people, are lactose-intolerant, experiencing indigestion, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. This is too often misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease and treated with special, expensive and unpalatable prescription diets. All things in moderation -- a daily teaspoon or two of plain organic yogurt or kefir should be fine for most cats.

Litter box cleaning for three cats is a chore. One litter box will have to be cleaned three or four times a day. Use a perforated scoop or plastic bag or disposable glove to pick out feces and clumps of wet litter and either bag it for the garbage or compost it. Flushing down the toilet may be an option, except for California where it is prohibited to protect marine mammals from toxoplasmosis that cat feces may transmit. I would advise against toilet flushing for all coastal states. It would also be a good idea to have two or three litter boxes, if space permits. If they use more than one box, your cleaning-out might be once a day for all boxes.

Question:

I need your advice regarding my 4-1/2-year-old Chihuahua. I have been preparing his food for a while now, and most of the time he enjoys eating it. Lately, however, I've noticed that he has been eating dirt when I take him outside. I wonder if he needs vitamins.I make him 1 pound of ground chicken, turkey or beef with a medium-baked sweet potato, two eggs, one teaspoon of cinnamon and about 15 blueberries -- all fried with two tablespoons of olive oil. I freeze 1/4 cup of this mixture and thaw it before he eats (twice a day). Do you think this formula is good enough for him? Does he need a vitamin each day to supplement his food?

E.T., Naples, FL Sep 19, 2010

Answer:

DEAR E.T.: Many animal species engage in dirt-eating (geophagia) as a way to compensate for a nutrition deficiency in their regular diets. Readers often express concern over their dogs eating dirt, which can be a sign of digestive problems, anemia (iron deficiency) and possibly calcium-, magnesium- and other deficiencies. Home-prepared diets that do not include a good-quality calcium supplement are all too common, and yours is probably deficient. Your dog should also have 50 to 100 mg daily of calcium citrate with magnesium: crush up and measure out one human pill or capsule. You could even use finely pulverized eggshells as a calcium source. A half a human dose twice a week of probiotics may also help his little digestive system. Also try a teaspoon of plain organic yogurt or kefir daily.

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Question:

Penny is an 11-year-old miniature fox terrier weighing about 18 pounds. She loves fruit and veggies and has been on excellent canned food and dry pellets. She loves to eat, and her bowels are fine. I check her urine morning, noon and night. The vet has had her on four units of insulin for diabetes since September 2009. I cannot get a consistent urine reading. No ketones. She has been on Vetsulin and human insulin. I was told that a 250 to 500 range would be a good reading, but we can't regulate it to that. Like you, I believe prepared dog food with some nutrition in it is better than the vet's pale, no-taste canned food they suggest I use. As much as Penny likes to eat, she has never been fat and still likes to play and act young. I took her in recently because she didn't look right in the eyes. She has gone for every test necessary since she was a pup. Isn't six months long enough to get her regulated? Or am I wrong in thinking that she deserves to go back to her regular diet as long as sugar is monitored?

B.J.D., Laurel, Md Sep 19, 2010

Answer:

Your dog's diabetes probably has a hereditary basis. The best way to control it is to feed your dog a no-grain (cereal), potato (starch) diet. Fresh veggies and lean meats are called for. Go easy on the fruits, though. Mixing a little cinnamon in her food may help her stabilize her insulin: work up to 1/2 teaspoon daily. Add probiotics (1 capsule of human-grade product) and 1 teaspoon of organic flaxseed oil or good quality fish oil.

Question:

Pumpkin is our 10-year-old, neutered orange tabby that loves to be outside during the warm months and is very good about staying in our yard. But he seems to be a favorite victim of mosquitoes, especially his ears. He scratches incessantly, making them bleed. We have tried VIP and PetGuard Insecticide Gel, which aren't very effective. We try to keep him on our screened-in porch, but the mosquitoes find him no matter what. Any suggestions?

K.H., Alexandria, Va Sep 19, 2010

Answer:

Cats in the summer (and dogs, especially with erect ears) can get badly bitten by mosquitoes and other biting/flesh-eating flies outdoors. Cats can develop a hypersensitivity to bug bites. First, please don't use a UV electric bug zapper in your yard, which are an abomination and kill many beneficial and beautiful moths and other insects. Light up some citronella candles and put a dab of lemon bug repellant on your cat's ears and behind his head. Make the repellant by simmering one whole lemon sliced (including the peel) in 1 cup of water until mushy (about 10 minutes). Pulverize and store in a jar in the fridge. A dab of essential oil of lavender or vanilla may be effective alternatives. Giving your cat some Brewer's yeast, up to 1/2 a teaspoon mixed in with her food every day, beginning with just a pinch so she gets used to it, may also help repel insects.