Keep Clothes Dryers Off-Limits to Cats

Dear Dr. Fox:

My sweet mutt, which looks like a Tibetan terrier, has diabetes. I understand that he'll need to be on insulin for the rest of his life.

My vet also said my dog is overweight. Is there an alternative diet that might help?

-- P.L.

Redding, Conn.

Veterinary literature has increasingly dealt with how obesity in dogs and cats can lead to diabetes and other health problems. That's probably why your veterinarian has raised the red flag.

Major factors in the pet obesity (and human obesity) epidemic are lack of regular physical activity and poor diet. The high cereal content in commercial dog and cat food is a major factor.