Advice for Pet Owners

Ask the Animal Doctor

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," which appears in the Post's community news Extras each Thursday. 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. Get information on his other publications, pet food recipes, animal rights and more at his Web site. He was online Wednesday, November 12, at 11 a.m. ET to answer questions.

Please join us again Wednesday, November 19, for another discussion on pet care with veterinarian Shawn Messonnier from Martha Stewart Radio. And check out washingtonpost.com's Pets section anytime!

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Dr. Michael W. Fox: Good morning every good animal person out there. We have some interesting issues to cover today.

I must harp on one BIG issue -- diet and health. Of the top 10 most common reasons why cats and dogs need veterinary treatment listed by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) "Most could be helped or minimized by a change in diet" according to VPI field veterinarian Dr. Cori Gross, with whom I spoke yesterday about these health problems.

These 10 most common health problems are:

For dogs, in descending order of frequency, these conditions were, after ear infections: Skin allergies. Pyoderma (hot spots).Stomach upsets. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea. Bladder disease. Eye infections. Arthritis. Hypothyroidism. Sprains.

For cats, a preponderance of whom eat only dry cat food, after lower urinary tract diseases in descending order of frequency of cases came: Stomach upsets/gastritis. Renal failure. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea. Skin allergies. Diabetes. Colitis/Constipation. Ear infections. Upper respiratory virus. Hyperthyroidism.

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Olney, Md.: Ticks!!! Oh my goodness but I have never seen such a year for ticks. I have pulled at least a dozen off of my two (indoor!) dogs. I was reluctant to use Frontline due to liver disease in one and a lingering case of kennel cough in the other but gave up after 9 ticks. The one is now tick free but it doesn't seem to have done anything to the other's tick burden. Help!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Welcome to climate change/global warming. What next!?

A good, safe bug repellant is to sponge your animal with equal parts of organic apple cider vinegar and warm water, or simmer a sliced lemon in 2 cups water for 10 min, let cool, and use the lemon juice on the animal's coat.

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Seattle: I have a chihuahua that seems to have OCD. He licks constantly and will lick almost anything. Although I haven't completely ruled out allergies, I'm not sure what I should do. Are there tests that can be done? Also I don't want to put him on meds like lithium or anything.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Have the teeth and tonsils and entire mouth cavity examined for possible irritation/infection.

Remotivate your dog with safe chew toys and fun games and outdoor activities.

Try a little freshly and lightly cooked turkey thigh meat, like a table spoon a day -- high in calming Tryptophan, or go online and check out Meridian's Tryptocalm LT -- www.meridiananimalhealth.com

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San Francisco, Calif.: My 16-week-old puppy barks and growls at herself when she sees her reflection in the window at night. My current solution is to turn out the lights which doesn't seem like the best thing to do. What should I be doing besides laughing out loud?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Set up a mirror against a chair and have fun together. Your puppy is going through a self-awarenss crisis!

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Falls Church, Va..: My 1- year-old Border Collie has started having seizures. They last anywhere from 30 seconds up to over a minute. My doctor put him on potassium bromide, which we have just started. Is something that starts happening when dogs get older or is it a sign of a larger problem? And do they increase in frequency?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: There are many reasons for seizures in dogs. Cutting out all wheat products in the diet, and other creal glutens and 'natural flavors' that could include MSG, may help.

Putting an ice pack on the dog's lower back may help shorten the duration of the seizure.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi. I have a question about our two cats who have lived in peace together for over three years until the older cat went to the vet and had some oral surgery. When the cat came back into the home, the younger cat became very aggressive and attacks the older cat at any opportunity. They now live in separate areas of the home, but we would like to have them become friends again. Do you have any experience with aggressive cats? Any ideas or tips on how to make them friends again? Thank you.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: This is very common and shows how nutty cats can be when it comes to a familiar cat -- or sometimes a person -- who comes home smelling different.

The best preventive is to put the same odor on both cats, like a dab of your regular perfume or deodorant.

The cat pheromone product Feliway may be your best solution. Try the Comfort Zone Diffuser with Feliway from Farman Pet -- tel 1-800-234-2269

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Negligent Vet Care?: My 10-year-old male/neutered suffered a urinary blockage back in the early part of October. I didn't not know that he was blocked (he didn't exhibit any typical signs -- howling or urinating outside the box). Because he was lethargic and vomited a couple of times, I took him to the vet to find out what was wrong (he was blocked). He was hospitalized for a few days (catherized and provided fluids). Upon his release, the vet hospital prescribed an antibiotic and also a special diet (Royal Canine 33) to prevent future crystal build up.

My cat didn't get better, I had to keep taking him back for the next three weeks (every couple of days) for more fluids & antibiotics; he also hospitalized overnight a couple of more times (he wasn't blocked, just not feeling well). I also requested x-rays (to rule out any stones).

My cat wasn't getting better, I finally decided I needed a second opinion from another vet, this vet said he was in pain, so she prescribed a pain killer and a straining medication. Fortunately, this has worked, my cat is now back to his happy self. He's no longer on any medication and doing very well. (Three weeks later)

Question -- was the first vet negligent in not prescribing meds (besides antibiotics)?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Some vets still overlook the pain and bladder spasm aspect of this lower urinary tract disease. Anyone who has had a partial or complete blockage of the urethra can attest to the pain, and post-spasms once relieved!

Cats on dry food often develop this problem. The best preventive is a wet, canned food, or raw, or home-prepared food.

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New York, N.Y.: Hi! My cat strangely loves to eat fruit, even oranges which I thought is supposed to be a cat repellent. I know that grapes can be toxic to dogs (and maybe cats, too?), but am I harming her by allowing little tastes of other fruit?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: All things in moderation! A grape or two will not hurt. Part of your cat's interest in fruit -- and some love veggies -- is curiosity.

Many cats enjoy eating grass, sprouted wheat, alfalfa, and the product Barleycat from Green Foods -- plant foods can contain essential nutrients that may be lacking in cats' manufactured diets.

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Rockville, Md.: I'd like to set my programmable thermostat to a lower temperature the two days that I work. However, my 3-year-old pug is at home and so I don't want to make it too cold for him. What would you suggest as the lowest temperature that would still keep him comfortable? Thanks!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Get your pug a nice little dog kennel or basket with a cover over the top so he can tuck himself in whenever he likes. Alternatively, a light dog coat may do the trick.

Look out for what you buy since some dog beds made in China and coats, could make the pet sick.

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MD: I am planning a trip for the holidays from MD to TX, 3 1/2 hour direct flight. I am considering taking my Yorkie in cabin for the flight. What should I give her to keep her calm/asleep during the flight? She has many environmental allergies so I considered higher dose of Benedryl. Do you recommend something different?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Get her used to being in the carrier that she will stay in during the flight.

No water one hour before the flight, and no food 4 or so hours before.

Avoid the Benadryl if she is a calm dog. If not, medicate 1 hour before the flight.

Happy trails and tails!

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Medicating Pets: Our vet gave us a prescription for 25mg benadryl for our pup's itchy feet and corresponding licking.

We were charaged $20 or so. I purchased the same dosage at Walmart for $4 and 85 more pills.

Any reason not to go with the store bought meds vs. the one from the vet?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Regardless of the difference in price, why is your pup suffering from itchy feet? Most likely it is a food allergy that if not properly treated could result in further disruption of your dog's immune system.

A change in diet and testing for food allegy are called for. Discuss with the vet about setting up an elimination diet to test for food allergy.

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Portland, Ore.: Dr. Fox, please help. My husband and I adopted a 2-year-old male cat about se ven weeks ago. We already had two other cats in the house -- a 12-year-old female and a 5-year-old male. We followed the recommendations for introducing the cats to the home: created a sanctuary for the new kitty and kept him isolated for about a week, then slowly started introducing the cats by scent, then by sight. We got to the point where the three cats would eat in the same room while supervised. The problem is that the resident male is extremely territorial and still aggressive to the new cat. He attacked the new cat about a week ago during a supervised visit and we've had them separated since (trading off days in the sanctuary room so the resident cat stops being so territorial). We are at a loss as to what to do now. The resident cat clearly still sees the new cat as a threat -- he fixates on him through the French doors separating them and would attack if given the chance. We don't know where to go from here. The new cat is about 10 pounds lighter than the resident cat and is scared of him. We need a way to get them at least tolerant of each other -- we really can't bear to give either of them up.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Sometimes you simply have to accept that the dominant cat wants all the space and will never accept a newcomer.

Try the cat pheromone product Feliway.

Try desensitization, placing the new cat in a cage in the same room as the dominant cat for 10-15 min exposure several times night and day for 48 hours. Treating the dominat cat with Valerian may help make him more easy going.

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Oklahoma City, Okla.: Submitting early so I don't miss you! We have a rescued 7-year-old Chihuahua that we have had for 1.5 years. In her previous life she was badly abused and neglected. She is now in good health and spirits. She however gets very, very stressed during thunder storms -- an issue when you live in OKC! She whines, shakes, pants, and scratches. Her entire body just vibrates from the stress. I don't like the idea of medicating her but will if it will help. What do you think? Do you have any other methods to calm her down?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Try the Anxiety Wrap for dogs -- tel 260-344-1217. This tight wrap has a remarkable calming effect on dogs. Alternatively, wrap your dog in a tiny T-shirt and tape securely with Duct tape!

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Manassas, Va.: My 3-year-old rottweiler mix was diagnosed with lymphoma yesterday. We opted for the prednisone treatment and she was given two to three months left to live. I'm a mess, but I was looking for some advice on how to make these last days as comfortable as possible for her. We were told this is incurable and even with chemo she would maybe live a year longer. We chose the prednisone route because chemo was about 4k and there was no telling how she would react. I guess I'm looking for reassurance and advice for her comfort.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: My condolencies -- this is a nasty, almost epidemic type cancer in far too many dogs today.

Check my Web site under Endocrine-immune Disruption Syndrome for supplements that can help boost your dog's immune system. Go on line and check for super-supplements like www.Rxvitamins.com/pet

Intravenous treatment with Vincristin, the extract of the Vinca rose, may help your dog too.

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Wash DC: What is the best way to deal with crystal/stones in the bladder? Our cat has this condition and the vet is recommending surgery to remove them and then what?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: It depends on the kinds of crystals -- oxalate or struvite, as to which direction to go in their prevention. As a general approach, transitioning the cat onto a canned, grain-free or raw food diet is the best preventive.

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Washington, D.C.: My cat (male, neutered, 4 years old) is very high anxiety. He vocalizes constantly, sometimes with a real howling edge. He wants to be in constant contact with me, to the point of jumping up on the kitchen counter while I'm cooking.

Feliway had no discernible effect. What else can I try to soothe him?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: He is in love with you and wants close contact! Count your blessings. Many cats are quite the opposite. Play games with him, and consider adopting another cat.

But yowling for attention is different from a yowl of anxiety, and separation anxiety---being left alone all day--could be part of the problem. Again, adopting a second cat could be the cure.

Other behavioral changes like losing weight, eating more, and being more irritable could mean Thyroid diease...

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Bethesda, Md.: Help!! My 1-year old cat does not let me sleep past about 4 a.m. or so. That's when he typically starts crying for his wet food, which I usually give him somewhere between 5 and 6 a.m. Not being a morning person, I then head back to sleep. But my baby sees it as his playtime and cries, paws at my face, sits on me... anything to get me up. I'm exhausted and need help!

Dr. Michael W. Fox: There are other letters like yours in today's log-jam! All that I can say is get another cat to keep the early riser occupied; and where you have a group of early-rising crazy cats, consider investing in an automatic canned cat food dispenser that can be put on a timer -- made in China, but a great idea, also for cats who should be on wet food and who need small meals through the day. Look up AniMate Pet Products. Cat Mate C50 automatic feeder. tel %03-866-3296

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Washington, D.C.: Is it safe to use Feliway around our baby girl?

Dr. Michael W. Fox: To my knowledge this product is harmless.

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re-last letter, the phone # for AniMate Cat food dispenser is 503-866-3296

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Lake Ridge, Va.: Good morning. My 8-year-old Maltese, Henri, has a auburnish-tan-colored discoloration of the fur/hair around his mouth and his muzzle. His paws are also discolored, we're thinking it's because he licks his paws, but not sure. My husband feeds him IAMs little chunks kibble mixed with Alpo brand canned dog food. What do you recommend we do to return his fur to it's natural white color? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Michael W. Fox: Azo dyes in some pet foods can cause this type of coat staining -- the dye is in the dog's saliva and enture system. Azo-dyes are petrochemical products, some of which are recognized as causing cancer.

So feed your dog a natrual whole food without artificial coloring agents. A little diluted hydrogen peroxide will clean up the fur.

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Dr. Michael W. Fox: Sorry -- time to sign off again! So many good questions. Until we meet again -- enjoy your animal companions. Life would be dull without them.

Michael W. Fox

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