Advice for Pet Owners
Ask the Animal Doctor

Michael W. Fox
Veterinarian and Syndicated Columnist
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:00 AM

Do you have a problem pooch or crazy cat? Are you trying to pick the best pet for your family? Are you alarmed by news reports about tainted pet food and looking for better options?

Michael W. Fox can offer advice on these quandaries, and other issues related to the care and feeding of our furry friends (as well as those with feathers or scales). He is a veterinarian and author of the syndicated column "Animal Doctor." He has written over 40 books, most recently "Not Fit for a Dog! The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food" and "Dog Body, Dog Mind," which takes a holistic approach to pet care and communication. He was online Wednesday, July 23, at 11 AM ET to answer questions on pet care and animal health.

The transcript Follows

Please join us again Wednesday, July 30 at 11 a.m. ET for a discussion on pet care with Dr. Paul Maza from Cornell University's Feline Health Center. And check out washingtonpost.com's new pets section anytime!

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Dr. Michael W. Fox: Good morning everyone! Bright and sunny here in Minnesota, and I am ready to respond to as many of your questions as I can within the hour---typos accepted!

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Baltimore: Sorry, this is a long question. But I would like to see what you think of this situation. I rescued a mixed-breed dog from the animal shelter two years ago (possibly part pit bull). At the time, he was very shy and afraid of people and dogs. He was probably abused by his previous owner. After a lot of work, he'll play with other dogs and will allow strangers to pet him, although he's wary around people he doesn't know. He's also fine with cats.

So, here's my problem: a few times, he has snarled at or bit another dog. No one has been hurt, and he has never snarled at or bit a human. Most of the time he's fine, so I don't know what sets him off. For now, I keep him on a short leash when we see another dog, and I carefully observe his reactions to determine whether he's excited and happy to see the other dog or nervous. If he's nervous, I have him sit and wait for the other dog to walk away. This seems to be working fine for him, do you think there's anything else I can do to help him?

I read about Michael Vick's pit bulls a few weeks ago in the Post, and one rescuer mentioned that some abused pits and pit mixes have a fight instinct that can be randomly triggered, so is this just something I should be aware of? (Because of this, I crate him when I'm not home so he doesn't attack my cats. He never has, and probably never will, but I'm cautious with my animals.)

I'm open to working with a trainer, of course, but I'm not sure how a trainer could get him to stop a behavior that is unpredictable and rare.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Tricky, and I applaud your patience. These dogs can be wonderful, but it is people who have really screwed them up by selective breeding and training, and often, abuse when they are pups.

Do get a good trainer to help you out, and for liability sake, do not be afraid to put a cage-muzzle on your dog. Pit bulls can be aggressive toward other dogs.

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Washington, D.C.: Dr. Fox: I adopted a rescue dog and she has been with me since Saturday. She is obsessively chewing on her paws. I can't find anything on them that would cause this. She doesn't have any fleas. My vet has suggested Benadryl, which doesn't seem to be solving the chewing issue. We have an appointment with the vet this Saturday, but do you have any suggestions in the meantime? I wonder if this is some sort of anxiety...new home, etc.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Could be chemical allergy from floor cleaqner to food allergy or the beginnings of mange, so a vet check is called for. Glad you adopted!

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Manassas, Va.: We have two rescued Labs (from different homes). My concern is our wonderful Yellow Lab. When we rescued him, he was under-nourished, shy and very afraid of loud noises and lightning. After a year of TLC, he's blossomed into a healthy, happy dog -- who still cringes and cries at loud noises. Any suggestions on what we can do to help him?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Difficult phobia. check internet for info on desensitization training with tape recorder and sounds that you play intermittently at low pitch, then higher.

For bloody nights like the 4th of July, a tight cotton wrap or blanket can give dogs security. Turn up TV and radio, draw curtains, ask vet for xanax prescription -- and work to ban all bloody fireworks except between 7-11 pm July 4!

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Rochester, N.Y.: Over a period of time I have learned more about the dangers of dry cat food. In the past I would feed a little bit of canned food morning and night and free feeding of dry food all the time. I believe the dry food may have played a part in the death of one of my cats from inflamed bowel disease, and I'm looking to change my feeding approach with my future cats.

My problem is that my schedule can be a bit unpredictable and I can be away from the house for 10-14 hours. Any suggestions on how I can offer healthy food to my cats if I'm going to be gone during the day? (Sure, I would like to win the lottery and stay home to feed them!) Thanks for any suggestions. April

Dr. Michael W. Fox: This is difficult -- cats like 8-12 little snacks/teaspoonfulls of wet food every day, so can you find a neighbor to come over to feed them?

Dry cat food sure is convenient, especially for those folks who leave their cats to the dispenser for the weekend. But that convenience can kill.

Do search the internet for a wet-food dispenser with a timer on it so cats can get several snacks throughout the day.

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Columbia, Md.: Finding good resources: Do you have guidelines on choosing resources for pet care? There's so much info out there now, how does a layman figure out which is good info and which isn't? Case in point: Feeding my cats a bit of tuna daily to help with skin dryness (they love me!) -- but someone just pointed me to a source that says tuna is bad for cats. How do I find out what's reasonable and what isn't without calling my vet first with every question? Thanks!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Tuna is bad for dolphins, for us -- too much mercury -- and for our cats. Give your cats any good brand canned food or my home-made diet on my Web site.

Plus a teaspoon daily in her food of cod liver oil. Their coats will shine, joints work smoothly -- happy cats!

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Bellevue, Wash.: Dr. Fox -- Our 11-year-old Westy was diagnosed with stage-3 lymphoma. We declined chemo and took her off all dog foods -- she eats cooked vegetables, rice and chicken or lean beef. Is there anything that might make her last longer without suffering? She's like one of our children.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Some super antioxidant supplements like CoQ10, selenium, vitamins A and C, and an organic diet. In my book, "Dog Body, Dog Mind,"( publ. The Lyons Press, Guilford, CT) I list several such nutraceuticals that help boost the immune system to help dogs with a variety of maladies. Good luck.

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Reston, Va.: Any tips for helping my golden retriever/border collie mix deal with a two-hour car ride? He loves to ride in the car and is normally fine, but hasn't gone on that long of a ride and it will be in unfamiliar territory. Thanks!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Hang a rag with ginger oil on it near the dogs in the car. Give them a piece of crystallized ginger or ginger capsule half an hour before trip.

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Washington, D.C.: Good morning. Any reason why a 12-year-old Pomeranian would urinate in his crate at night? He's fine all day if no one is home and we are away at work (he is confined to the the kitchen). He does have diabetes that is well controlled. Any input you have would be very helpful. Thank you!!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Your dog is drinking more because of diabetes, age, possible failing kidneys, so what else to do -- get a peepee pad. I hope he is not shut up in the crate all night but it is his open den.

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Tucson, Ariz.: Hello. I am pregnant with my first child and have two dogs, a pit bull mix and a boxer. They have never been around small children other than seeing them during walks and at the park. How would you recommend I get them ready for the new baby?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Get a fake baby that cries and get the dogs used to you pretending to nurse, swaddle etc. When the baby is born, let them sniff the diapers at the onset, and let them see and sniff the baby cradled in your arms. No quick movements -- and give them lots of praise and extra attention. They know what a baby is, but may see it as a rag-doll toy, hence the pre-conditioning -- some may see the baby as a puppy and try to lift it up and cause even fatal injury so never leave the infant on the floor unsupervised.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Dr. Fox. I recently took my 6-year-old Rottweiler on a hike that involved a great amount of rock climbing. As a result, the padding on her paws has torn and is quite raw. What do you recommend I do/not do to help her heal quickly and with as little pain as possible? Thank you! Worried in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Poor dog! Simply clean well in warm water and Epsom salts, soak for 10-15 min and dry well. Stop the dog from excessive licking and she should heal very fast.

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Sore German Shepherd: My 5-year-old German Shepherd over-did it at a party this weekend, and she was very sore in her legs and/or back for several days. I gave her dog aspirin for one day and she has improved nicely. Should I keep giving it to her for longer, in case of swelling? Also, I researched and am considering adding colostrum to her diet. Have you heard anything good about that? Thanks.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: No more aspirin -- Tylenol, advil, ascriptin etc all can harm dogs. Lots of rest, one tablespoon of flax seed oil in the food, and massage therapy as per my book, "The Healing Touch for Dogs" (new Market Press NY) -- this book is a MUST for older dogs especially.

Your dog could have seriuos conformation/structural problems associated with the ridiculous standards of the American variety of this breed, so look out for arthritic and dysplastic problems later in life. A nutraceutical supplement like Cosequin may help a lot.

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Elder Dog: Our 12-year-old hound is becoming profoundly deaf. Is it possible for all of us to learn new methods of communication -- come, sit, stay, etc.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Same with my old dog Lizzie -- lots of foot-stomping on floorboards to get attention through vibration! And plenty of hand and arm waving and signaling to come, sit, etc. Most dogs adapt well.

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Marbury, Md.: My one-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell has started snapping at us at night or in the morning when we are rubbing him. I've been just getting up and ignoring him when he growls (pre-snap). What should I be doing to stop this behavior? He started doing it in the past month or so (following neutering and two stitches he removed himself from his front leg). During the day, we can pretty much rub him at will with no problems.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: He is growling for attention as much as giving a threat/warning. So ignorehim. Re-motivate him by doing something different like giving a treat once he sits or making him sit, then throwing a toy to fetch.

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Omaha, Neb.: My parents have an otherwise healthy 16-year-old cat. Recently, she's started peeing off the side of the litter box, and pooping in various places around the house. They've tried feeding her wet food (thinking it was constipation) mixed with laxatives. Their vet has given them these suggestions, but they haven't seen an improvement (and the cat won't eat the wet food). Any advice you can give them?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Old cats get into such problems when constipated, have anal gland problems, or painful arthritis -- especially along the vertebrae. So a vet checkup is called for. Also, spread extra newspapers over a sheet of plastic around the litterbox.

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Washington, D.C.: You mentioned a couple weeks ago that processed dog treats are terrible for their teeth. Are pill pockets OK? My dog doesn't willingly take her medication unless I camouflage it. Thanks in advance for any tips.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Pill-pockets are fine. I use cream cheese for my dogs. Processed pet foods have micro-particles that stick to teeth and gums, so dental problems are common. Chewy raw beef soup/shank bones for dogs, and thin strips of raw beef shank bone meat are good natural cleaners, plus a whole-food diet. Same for cats who have serious dental problems in part because of being fed manufactured foods. Raw, scaled chicken wing tips with lots of skin, and slivers of beef shank bone or heart (raw) are good cat teeth cleaners.

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Sterling, Va.: Our 3-year-old female lab loves people and other dogs, but is afraid of children. No aggression, just cowering and staying away from them and won't let them pet her. What would you suggest for helping her get over this fear?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Desensitization -- have the dog sit with you on the leash and spend time observing children at play and reward your dog with treats. It may not work -- both my dogs are wary of kids. It is the bloody parents who are largely to blame these days who think it cute -- or they are brain-dead? -- to let their spawn scream, yell, and act like uncontrolled monsters even when animals who are sensitive, are close by. Children need, like pups, to be taught some self-control, but how can they when they start the day on a diet of sugarpops and diet soda? Ditto the parents!

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"Pill-pockets are fine. I use cream cheese for my dogs." : I used to put the pill inside a grape and the dogs loved it. Then someone told me grapes are bad for dogs. Is that true?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: It will take more than one grape or raisin to knock out a dog's kidneys. Garlic is good in moderation for most dogs, but is bad for cats.

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Laurel, Md.: Our new adopted dog seems to have a night/day problem -- he stays up all night barking and then sleeps all day because he didn't get any sleep at night. We're afraid he'll never get himself on the right schedule if he keeps sleeping so much, but we're having a hard time keeping him awake in the evenings after work -- he doesn't engage with his toys, he can't be outside for too long in the heat, he eventually ignores us trying to play with him around the house and just lays down. Will he gradually sort out his night/day mix-up on his own, or is some other action on our part needed?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Time for valerian or valium at night to get the dog's diurnal rythm in synch with the rest of the family. Get a prescription from the vet.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Doc. About 6 weeks ago I adopted a sweet 3-legged mutt called Toby from a rescue org. He is docile and sweet, but seems never to have learned how to play, either with other dogs (who he is polite but aloof with) or with toys. His only real excitement comes from walks -- he will literally wear himself out on a walk, but at home he appears bored and sad. I've tried a Kong-type toy, squeaky toys, anything to get him excited, but he just sighs. Any tips on keeping him stimulated when we aren't walking?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Probably had limited socialization as a pup -- best to accept this. Lie down on the floor and get him on top of you. This may help increase his self-confidence. And try gentle hand-jaw pulling and wrestling.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have an elderly cat, 19, who is still very healthy for his age, but I realize his time is limited. I have another 7-year-old cat. I know what to do for my older cat when his time comes, but what should I do beforehand for the younger cat to get him ready for the absence of his friend?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Nothing specifically.See how the cat reacts. Some cats mourn terribly, while others cope well. My new book "Cat Body, Cat Mind," (The Lyons Press, Guilford CT) will help you, and all readers, to realize that cats are aware very often of deaths of loved ones away from the home, yes, 'psychic' -- what I term the empathosphere. Cats are there! Your cat may need some Valerian or simply lots of TLC, and a companion cat a few weeks later.

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Columbus, Ohio: It's great to have you answering questions. Our cock-a-poo was diagnosed with kidney failure of unknown origin when he was about a year old. We make his food and he's doing great. My question: is it safe to give him just one-half dose of his heartworm medicine each month? Thanks for your response.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: This should not harm the kidneys, so give a full dose, be sure to give your dog B complex vitamins, potassium supplements, Renegel prescription from the vet and a daily teaspoon of flax seed oil. Have his kidney function tested every 6-9 months and more often if he seems to lose his appetite or is drinking more than usual.

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Iowa: I have a rather neurotic nine-year old male cat who is very well-behaved. My daughter-in-law has asked me to house her two cats (two-year old female and one year old male) while she and my son are away for about five weeks. I would have to confine the two visitors to the basement. Can you tell me if this a bad idea?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Try them out together first. Get cat pheromone to spray around your room where the cats will meet, called Feliway. It can help cats get along, but is not 100 percent fail-safe.

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Williamstown, N.J.: Do you know of any veterinary resources available to low income or disabled Americans to defray the cost of pet medical care? Thank you!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Call your local humane society. Good luck! The public health-cost savings in medical services from the benefits of people having pets should be factored in, and retirees and low-income folks with pets be given a break! Such people tend to have to see doctors less than those who have no pets.

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Dr. Michael W. Fox: Time to sign off -- so good to share what I can under the constraints of short responses and my lagging speed of typing!

Until next time -- please go easy on the chemicals on your lawns and gardens. GO ORGANIC for pets' and Nature's sake!

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