Treat the Immune System, Not Just the Infection

I urge you to transition your dog onto a fresh, whole-food diet as per the recipe on my Web site at http://www.doctormwfox.org. Your veterinarian should also visit http://www.RxVitamins.com/pet and explore a more integrative treatment approach using beneficial nutrient supplements. Fish oil is one that tops the list for many conditions.

Dear Dr. Fox:

I have a 7-year-old Lhasa Apso that is a treasure. Last year, I began making your recipe for homemade dog food, and my dog loves it!

My vet has suggested glucosamine as a supplement to his food because one of his back legs goes out of joint periodically. Can I cook this supplement into his food, or will heat destroy its effectiveness?

We live in Florida, and I've given my dog Revolution for seven years, and he tolerates it well. Can you recommend a different prescription for heartworm and a more conservative treatment for ticks and fleas?

N.

Fort Myers, Fla.

Supplements such as glucosamine, fish oil and flaxseed oil should not be cooked because heat can destroy and denature them.

For dogs with joint problems, the chondroitin glucosamine MSM supplement can work well, coupled with turmeric (one 250-milligram capsule) and half a teaspoon of cod liver oil (per 20 pounds body weight). Apply massage therapy as a routine over the afflicted joints and a general body massage. My book "The Healing Touch for Dogs" is a guide for all who wish to learn how to give a therapeutic massage to an animal.